In vivo anti-Candida activity of phenolic extracts and compounds: future perspectives focusing effective clinical interventions

Abstract

Candida species have increasingly deserved a special attention among the medical community. In spite of its presence as a human commensal, alarming rates of local and systemic infections have been observed, varying from moderate to severe impact. Currently available antifungal drugs have progressively lost its effectiveness, pointing urgently the problem of the microorganisms with acquired-resistance. Natural matrices are secularly used for numerous purposes, being inclusive highly effective as antimicrobials. Increasing evidences give a particular emphasis to the contribution of phenolic extracts and related individual compounds. In vitro studies clearly confirms its prominent effects, but the confirmation through in vivo studies, including the involved mechanisms of action are not so much deepen. Therefore, the present reports aims to provide an extensive knowledge about all these aspects, highlighting the most efficient phytochemical formulations, including therapeutic doses. Further studies need to be incited to deepen knowledge on this area, namely focused on clinical trials to provide safer and more effective antimicrobials than the current ones.