Mangiferin potentiates the activity of antifungal agents against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of mangiferin against Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole.Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of mangiferin was assessed using broth microdilution and its interaction with azoles and amphotericin B was evaluated by checkerboard. The activity of mangiferin against Candida spp. biofilms was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay and its possible mechanism of action was evaluated using flow cytometry.Results: Mangiferin showed activity against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis resistant to fluconazole and showed synergism with azoles and amphotericin B. Mangiferin increased the activity of antifungals against Candida biofilms and caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and externalization of phosphatidylserine, suggesting apoptosis.Conclusion: mangiferin combined with antifungals has potential against Candida spp.

Candida is a type of fungus that can make people ill. Over time, many species of Candida have found ways to resist the drugs used to kill them. It is important to find new drugs. We decided to see if a substance called mangiferin works against Candida. We found that mangiferin works against Candida and may help other drugs to work better. We still need to do more studies to find out whether mangiferin can help prevent diseases caused by Candida in the future.