Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Saussurea costus, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, is emerging as a powerful antiCandida agent. With the growing challenge of Candida infections and increasing resistance toconventional antifungal drugs, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. This literature review emphasizes the significant anti-Candida activity of S. costus, which is attributedto its bioactive compounds, especially sesquiterpene lactones such as costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone. These compounds show inhibitory effects against various Candida speciesthrough mechanisms including membrane disruption and enzyme inhibition. Notably, S. costushas demonstrated comparable or even superior effectiveness to drugs like fluconazole, withpotential benefits in safety and reduced toxicity. The review highlights the herb’s potential as atreatment for Candida infections and its possible use as a natural food preservative. However,further research is necessary to fully realize its therapeutic potential and develop it into a viable treatment option.
Authors: Reem Waleed, Raghad F. Al-Ansari, Maryam Hamed Jabir, Khalid Zainualbdeen, Omran Mansour
Institutions: University of Baghdad, Nahrain University, Bani-Waleed University
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414735339