ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF PLANT-DERIVED ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST CANDIDA ALBICANS: INSIGHTS FROM IN VITRO VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS MODELS

*Snehal K. Bhavsar, Komal Bhoi, Rajeshwari Patil and Sanjay Surana

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common opportunistic pathogen responsible for systemic and mucosal fungal infections, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. One of the primary challenges in treating C. albicans infections is the development of medication resistance, particularly in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a prevalent gynecological issue affecting women between the ages of 15 and 49. Approximately 75% of women experience at least one incident of VVC in their lifetime, with 5% suffering from recurrent episodes. Candida albicans is the causative agent in 85-90% of cases, characterized by symptoms like irritation and pruritus, which remain difficult to resolve. Essential oils, plant-derived secondary metabolites known for their antibacterial and vulvovaginal regulatory properties, have gained attention as potential alternatives to conventional therapies like fluconazole, especially given the increasing resistance of Candida strains and recurrence of infections. This review aims to explore the current state of research on essential oils as antifungal and antibacterial agents against C. albicans infections, focusing on their underlying mechanisms of action and potential future applications in developing safer and more effective antifungal therapies. A comprehensive analysis of both laboratory and clinical studies is presented, with a focus on innovative strategies for advancing antifungal drug development.

Keywords: Candida albicans, essential oil, vulovaginal infection, antifungal activity, MIC.