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Combating Black Fungus: Using Allicin as a Potent Antifungal Agent Against Mucorales

Summary

This research explores using allicin, a natural compound from garlic, to fight dangerous fungal infections known as black fungus disease. The study shows that allicin can effectively kill harmful fungi both through direct contact and as a vapor, and works even better when combined with traditional antifungal medications. This discovery could lead to new treatments for serious fungal infections, especially those affecting the nose and sinuses. Impacts on everyday life: • Could provide a more affordable treatment option for fungal infections, especially in developing countries • May reduce the need for high doses of traditional antifungal drugs, leading to fewer side effects • Offers potential for treating respiratory fungal infections through simple inhalation therapy • Could help prevent serious complications in COVID-19 patients who develop fungal infections • Demonstrates the continuing relevance of natural remedies in modern medicine

Background

Invasive fungal diseases are a leading global cause of mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbated this situation by increasing comorbid fungal infections like mucormycoses. Mucormycosis, known as ‘black fungus’, primarily affects sinuses and lungs after spore inhalation and can spread to other organs. Current treatments rely on expensive antifungal drugs and surgery, with mortality rates around 57%.

Objective

To investigate the antifungal potential of allicin, a natural compound from garlic, against Mucorales fungi both through direct contact and vapor exposure, and to explore its possible synergistic effects with conventional antifungal drug amphotericin B (ampB). The study also aimed to assess allicin’s cytotoxicity to human cells for therapeutic applications.

Results

Allicin showed strong antifungal activity against both Mucorales species, with effectiveness both in solution and vapor form. The EC50 of allicin was significantly lower than amphotericin B, requiring 25-72 times higher concentrations in human cell lines compared to fungal spores. Mathematical modeling showed allicin vapor efficacy comparable to direct contact with amphotericin B. A synergistic effect was observed between allicin and amphotericin B, allowing for reduced concentrations of both compounds while maintaining effectiveness.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates allicin’s potential as an antifungal agent against Mucorales, particularly through vapor application for treating nasopharyngeal infections. The synergistic effect with amphotericin B suggests possible therapeutic applications that could reduce required drug doses and associated side effects. While promising, challenges regarding allicin’s stability and potential cytotoxicity need to be addressed in future research.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms242417519
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