Promegranate and candida albicans

Promegranate and candida albicans written by Doti Wahtuningsih, UNISMA.

Pomegranate peel extract has been found to contain active antifungal combinations that have antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for oral candidiasis[1][5].

Studies have shown that pomegranate peel/rind extract can inhibit fungal growth by compromising the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane of C. albicans[2]. Punicalagin, a compound isolated from pomegranate peel, has also been reported to be effective against C. albicans[5].

The increasing rate of drug resistance and the low number of antifungal drugs in clinical development highlights the difficulty in treating C. albicans infections, leading clinicians to pay more attention to alternative therapies such as pomegranate peel extract[2][5].

Pomegranate peel extract inhibits fungal growth by compromising the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungus. The extract contains active antifungal compounds such as punicalagin, which is a high source of antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

This action has been observed in various studies, and the extract has been found to have high synergism with some antifungal agents against Candida infections[1][2][5].

The mechanism of action of pomegranate peel extract against fungi involves several factors that contribute to the inhibition of fungal growth. Based on the available studies, the following mechanisms can be identified:

1. Compromising the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane:

Pomegranate peel extract has been shown to compromise the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of fungal cells, leading to the inhibition of their growth[3].

2. Increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS):

Pomegranate peel extract has been found to induce the production of intracellular ROS in fungal cells, which can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to cellular components[3].

3. Interaction with cellular components:

Pomegranate peel extract may interact with various cellular components of fungal cells, leading to the inhibition of their growth and viability[1][2].

4. Synergistic effect with other antifungal agents:

Pomegranate peel extract has been reported to have high synergism with some antifungal agents against Candida infections, enhancing their effectiveness in inhibiting fungal growth[2].

Promegranate and candida albicans. Overall, the antifungal activity of pomegranate peel extract can be attributed to its ability to compromise the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, increase intracellular ROS, and interact with cellular components of fungal cells, leading to the inhibition of their growth and viability.

Citations:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4353666/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5993896/

[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-21995-7

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923250810001014

[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00660