EXPLORING HERBAL ANTIFUNGALS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF BIOACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICALS AND THEIR SYNERGISTIC EFFICACY

Fungal infections have emerged as a significant global health issue, impacting the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs, with increasing resistance to traditional antifungal treatments like azoles and polyenes. This situation has prompted a move towards herbal-based therapies derived from bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. The study examines various medicinal plants, including Nigella sativa, Rhinacanthus nasutus, Piper betel, and Pogostemon parviflorus, which demonstrate strong antifungal effects against pathogenic species like Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. Their mechanisms of action involve disrupting fungal cell walls and membranes, inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, and interfering with mitochondrial and enzymatic functions. Furthermore, it highlights innovative formulations like antifungal gels, creams, and roll-ons that improve the stability and effectiveness of herbal extracts. It emphasizes the potential of combining herbal constituents with conventional drugs or other natural agents as a promising approach to overcoming drug resistance while reducing side effects. The review highlights the importance of integrating phytochemical research and formulation technology to create safe antifungal treatments that meet modern pharmacological standards.