Published Paper Details:

Fungal infections have become a major global health issue, especially for people with weakened immune systems. These infections can range from mild, surface-level conditions to severe, life-threatening diseases caused by fungi like Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus. Several factors make someone more prone to these infections, including conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, obesity, the long-term use of antibiotics, and being in a hospital setting. While drugs like azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins are effective against fungal infections, using them for long periods can lead to problems like toxicity, resistance to the drugs, and high costs. To address these issues, there is growing interest in using herbal medicines as a safer and more sustainable alternative. Plants such as Calotropis gigantea, Aloe vera, and Curcuma longa contain active compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids that can damage the structure of fungal cells, stop the production of ergosterol (which is important for fungi), and create oxidative stress within the fungal cells. These natural compounds not only show strong antifungal effects but also help support the immune system and lower inflammation. Combining herbal treatments with traditional antifungal medications could be a promising way to better manage and prevent fungal infections with fewer side effects and lower chances of drug resistance. However, more research and clinical testing are needed to create reliable, effective, and safe herbal-based treatments for fungal infections.