Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antifungal-agents #camellia-sinensis #candida-albicans #citrus #humans

Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review

Hsu et al., 2021 | Mini Rev Med Chem | Systematic Review

Citation

Hsu Hsuan, Sheth Chirag C, Veses Veronica. Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(1):90-117. doi:10.2174/1389557520666200628032116

Abstract

In the era of antimicrobial resistance, fungal pathogens are not an exception. Several strategies, including antimicrobial stewardship programs and high throughput screening of new drugs, are being implemented. Several recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant compounds with antifungal activity. In this systematic review, we examine the use of natural compounds as a possible avenue to fight fungal infections produced by Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen. Electronic literature searches were conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Science Direct limited to the 5 years. A total of 131 articles were included, with 186 plants extracts evaluated. Although the majority of the natural extracts exhibited antifungal activities against C. albicans (both in vivo and in vitro), the strongest antifungal activity was obtained from Lawsonia inermis, Pelargonium graveolens, Camellia sinensis, Mentha piperita, and Citrus latifolia. The main components with proven antifungal activities were phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, thymol, and flavonoids (especially catechin), polyphenols such as tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The incorporation of nanotechnology greatly enhances the antifungal properties of these natural compounds. Further research is needed to fully characterize the composition of all herbal extracts with antifungal activity as well as the mechanisms of action of the active compounds.

Key Findings

Further research is needed to fully characterize the composition of all herbal extracts with antifungal activity as well as the mechanisms of action of the active compounds.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Camellia sinensis
  • Candida albicans
  • Citrus
  • Humans
  • Lawsonia Plant
  • Mentha piperita
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Pelargonium
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09