Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against fungal pathogens: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #antifungal-agents #benzene-derivatives #drug-synergism #fungi

Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against fungal pathogens: A systematic review

Benelli et al., 2021 | Med Mycol | Systematic Review

Citation

Benelli Jéssica Louise, Poester Vanice Rodrigues, ... Xavier Melissa Orzechowski. Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against fungal pathogens: A systematic review. Med Mycol. 2021-May-04;59(5):409-421. doi:10.1093/mmy/myaa115

Abstract

Fungal infections are one of the most prevalent diseases in the world and there is a lack of new antifungal drug development for these diseases. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding the in vitro antifungal activity of the organoselenium compounds ebselen (Eb) and diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)2]. A systematic review was carried out based on the search for articles with data concerning Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values, indexed in international databases and published until August 2020. A total of 2337 articles were found, and, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria used, 22 articles were included in the study. Inhibitory activity against 96% (200/208) and 95% (312/328) of the pathogenic fungi tested was described for Eb and [(PhSe)2], respectively. Including in these 536 fungal isolates tested, organoselenium activity was highlighted against Candida spp., Cryptococcus ssp., Trichosporon spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Sporothrix spp., with MIC values lower than 64 μg/mL. In conclusion, Eb and [(PhSe)2] have a broad spectrum of in vitro inhibitory antifungal activity. These data added with other pharmacological properties of these organoselenium compounds suggest that both compounds are potential future antifungal drugs. Whether MICs toward the upper end of the ranges described here are compatible with efficacious therapy, and whether they may achieve such end as a result of the favorable non-antimicrobial effects of selenium on the host, requires more in vivo testing.

Key Findings

Whether MICs toward the upper end of the ranges described here are compatible with efficacious therapy, and whether they may achieve such end as a result of the favorable non-antimicrobial effects of selenium on the host, requires more in vivo testing.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Benzene Derivatives
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fungi
  • Humans
  • Isoindoles
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycoses
  • Organoselenium Compounds

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

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