Action Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Components as Antimycosis: A Literature Review

Mycosis poses a significant threat to global health, particularly in immune-compromised individuals, and the rise of antifungal resistance has further complicated their treatment. The rise in fungal infections (FIs) is a growing concern, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates. Medicinal plants (MPs), with their long history of use in traditional medicine, have emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potent antifungal properties. The current study explores the mechanisms by which plant active constituents (PACs) exert their antifungal effects, including inhibition of cell membrane (CM) and cell wall (CW) synthesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, the inhibition of Nucleic acids (Nas) and protein synthesis (PS), inhibiting the electron transport chain, decreasing ATP production, inhibiting glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and oxygen uptake by cells, and this lead to affect cell division, protein production, and/or inhibiting its mycelial growth and spore germination. Compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other PACs have demonstrated significant antifungal activity through these diverse mechanisms, offering potential alternatives to conventional antifungal drugs. This study highlights the potential of MPs as a foundation for developing novel antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of understanding the intraocular mechanisms of action (MsOA) to combat antifungal resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive analysis not only validates the use of MPs in traditional medicine but also provides a roadmap for future research and drug development in the fight against FIs. This study aligns with and supports sustainable development goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being (SDG 3) and other goals.