NADES-mediated folk plant extracts as novel antifungal agents against Candida albicans

What if the cure for a stubborn fungal infection was hiding in a folk remedy, extracted with a simple sugar-and-acid solvent?

Candida albicans is a yeast that lives quietly in our mouths, guts, and vaginas—until it turns rogue, causing skin, mucosal, and even life-threatening systemic infections. With resistant strains on the rise, we urgently need new antifungal weapons. Enter NADES: natural deep eutectic solvents, a green alternative to harsh chemicals.

Scientists turned to folk medicinal plants, using a lactic acid:glucose:water mix to pull out bioactive compounds. They tested these extracts against C. albicans. The results? Extracts from Larrea species—especially a blend of Larrea cuneifolia and L. divaricata—showed remarkable antifungal power, stronger than their individual components.

Even better, when combined in a topical formulation, these extracts worked synergistically, amplifying each other's effects. This points to a promising, natural path for treating dermal candidiasis, without the side effects of conventional drugs.

Key Points

• NADES extracts from Larrea species fight Candida albicans effectively.
• Synergistic blend of two Larrea extracts boosts antifungal action.
• Green solvent replaces hazardous reagents in topical formulations.