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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 Bunium persicum essential oil and two of its active components work together with the antifungal drug fluconazole to fight resistant Candida yeast infections. They found that cuminaldehyde, one of the oil’s main components, was particularly effective when combined with fluconazole and could trigger yeast cell death. These natural compounds could offer a promising new approach to treating fungal infections that have become resistant to standard medications.

Background

Fluconazole resistance in Candida species is increasing, presenting a significant clinical challenge. There is growing interest in complementary therapies from natural sources to combat drug-resistant fungal infections. Bunium persicum essential oil and its components have shown promising antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Objective

This study evaluated the synergistic and apoptotic effects of Bunium persicum essential oil and its pure components (cuminaldehyde and γ-terpinene) combined with fluconazole against susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates. Molecular docking was performed to study interactions with lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase.

Results

Cuminaldehyde showed the lowest MIC and MFC values compared to the essential oil and γ-terpinene. Most synergistic effects were observed with fluconazole combined with cuminaldehyde (63.6%), followed by the essential oil (54.5%) and γ-terpinene (27.2%). Combinations showed significantly greater apoptotic effects than individual agents, and docking studies confirmed interactivity with the target enzyme.

Conclusion

Natural products combined with synthetic antifungal agents demonstrate synergistic properties that could contribute to effective therapeutic strategies, particularly for resistant fungal species. Further studies are needed to confirm the mechanism of action and clinical applicability of these compounds.
  • Published in:Current Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:In vitro and in silico study,
  • Source: PMID: 41122118, DOI: 10.22034/cmm.2025.345248.1636
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