Baicalein as a potent antifungal agent against Candida albicans: synergy with fluconazole and sustainable production through probiotic-mediated bioconversion
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Baicalein, a natural compound from a traditional medicinal plant, is significantly more effective at fighting Candida albicans infections than its parent compound baicalin. When combined with the common antifungal drug fluconazole, baicalein creates a powerful synergistic effect that is especially useful against drug-resistant fungal strains. Scientists discovered that a beneficial probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can efficiently convert the abundant baicalin into baicalein, providing a sustainable and safe way to produce this potent antifungal compound at scale.