Integrated mechanistic and bioinformatics analysis of a traditional Chinese medicine compound MangHuang solution against Candida albicans

Introduction The growing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens urgently calls for new treatment strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas, with their multi-targeted mechanisms of action, offer promising alternative options for antimicrobial therapy. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the TCM formula MangHuang solution (MH) after content detection of tannin, composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Natrii Sulfas , and Galla Chinensis , and to elucidate its antifungal mechanism against Candida albicans through integrated multi-omics analysis. Methods MH and its individual or combined components were prepared and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Candida albicans , and their antimicrobial activity was assessed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), biofilm formation experiments, and multi-omics analysis were used to investigate the antifungal mechanism of MH against C. albicans . Results MH demonstrated potent and rapid antibacterial activity. Biofilm formation was significantly inhibited, manifested by reduced cell surface hydrophobicity, weakened initial adhesion capacity, and impaired biofilm maturation processes. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways, particularly ABC transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, and protein-related pathways. Discussion MH exhibits potent antifungal activity against C. albicans through a multi-target mechanism, primarily affecting biofilm formation and intracellular metabolic processes. The integration of multi-omics approaches provides strong evidence for the potential clinical application of MH as an effective antifungal agent.