Flavonoids with Antifungal Activity against Candida Species: Biological Effects, Mechanistic Insights and Translational Challenges
Mayara Aparecida Rocha GarciaIntroduction:
Increasing resistance to conventional antifungals and the ability of these fungi to form biofilms highlight the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenolic compounds, have attracted attention due to their broad spectrum of biological activities. This review evaluates the in vitro antifungal activity of flavonoids against Candida species, highlighting their mechanisms of action and structural diversity.
Methods:
Recent studies investigating the antifungal activity of natural and synthetic flavonoids against Candida species were analyzed. Eligible articles reported minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), antibiofilm activity, synergistic interactions, and mechanisms of action.
Results and Discussion:
Multiple flavonoid subclasses-including chalcones, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones, and flavan-3-ols-demonstrated antifungal activity, with some compounds exhibiting MIC values as low as 0.125-8 μg/mL against Candida species. Mechanistic insights suggest that flavonoids may interfere with membrane integrity, ergosterol biosynthesis, biofilm development, mitochondrial function, and efflux pump activity. The antifungal properties of these bioactive compounds vary according to their structural features such as hydroxylation patterns, prenylation, and substitution on aromatic rings. Additionally, the observed synergistic interactions with standard antifungals highlight a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance and potentially reduce the therapeutic doses required, minimizing adverse effects.
Conclusion:
This review demonstrates that flavonoids are strong candidates for developing new agents to combat Candida species.