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Synergistic potential and apoptosis induction of Bunium persicum essential oil and its pure components, cuminaldehyde and γ-terpinene, in combination with fluconazole on Candida albicans isolates: in vitro and in silico evaluation

Summary

Researchers studied how an essential oil from black cumin seeds (Bunium persicum) and two of its key active components could work together with the antifungal drug fluconazole to fight Candida albicans infections, including drug-resistant strains. Using laboratory tests and computer modeling, they found that cuminaldehyde, one of the main components, was particularly effective when combined with fluconazole, killing yeast cells through multiple mechanisms. This suggests that natural plant compounds could be valuable partners with conventional antifungal medications to overcome drug resistance.

Background

Fluconazole resistance in Candida species is increasing and poses significant clinical challenges. There is growing interest in complementary therapies from natural sources. This study evaluated the synergistic and apoptotic effects of Bunium persicum essential oil and its components combined with fluconazole on susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates.

Objective

To evaluate the synergistic and apoptotic effects of Bunium persicum essential oil (BPEO) and its pure components, cuminaldehyde (CA) and γ-terpinene (γ-TPN), combined with fluconazole on susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates, and to study molecular interactions using docking studies.

Results

Cuminaldehyde showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations compared to BPEO and γ-terpinene. Fluconazole combined with cuminaldehyde showed the most synergistic effect (63.6%), followed by BPEO (54.5%) and γ-terpinene (27.2%). Combinations of natural components with fluconazole produced greater apoptotic effects than individual agents alone. Molecular docking confirmed interactions with lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase.

Conclusion

Natural products combined with synthetic antifungal agents could contribute to developing effective therapeutic strategies, particularly for resistant fungal species. The results suggest that cuminaldehyde and BPEO have promising synergistic properties with fluconazole against both susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates, though further clinical studies are needed.
  • Published in:Current Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:In vitro and in silico experimental study,
  • Source: PMID: 41122118, DOI: 10.22034/cmm.2025.345248.1636
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