Cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives, a novel class of antifungal agents.
The last few decades have seen an alarming rise in fungal infections, which currently represent a global health threat. Despite extensive research towards the development of new antifungal agents, only a limited number of antifungal drugs are available in the market. The routinely used polyene agents and many azole antifungals are associated with some common side effects such as severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Also, antifungal resistance continues to grow and evolve and complicate patient management, despite the introduction of new antifungal agents. This suitation requires continuous attention. Cinnamaldehyde has been reported to inhibit bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous molds via the inhibition of ATPases, cell wall biosynthesis, and alteration of membrane structure and integrity. In this regard, several novel cinnamaldehyde derivatives were synthesized with the claim of potential antifungal activities. The present article describes antifungal properties of cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives against diverse classes of pathogenic fungi. This review will provide an overview of what is currently known about the primary mode of action of cinnamaldehyde. Synergistic approaches for boosting the effectiveness of cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives have been highlighted. Also, a keen analysis of the pharmacologically active systems derived from cinnamaldehyde has been discussed. Finally, efforts were made to outline the future perspectives of cinnamaldehyde-based antifungal agents. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge about the antifungal properties and antifungal mode of action of cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives and to identify research avenues that can facilitate implementation of cinnamaldehyde as a natural antifungal.
Oral Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait. Electronic address: sheikh@hsc.edu.kw.
Sheikh
S
Shreaz
Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Waseem A
WA
Wani
Oral Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
Jawad M
JM
Behbehani
Department of Applied Sciences & Humanities, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), P.O. Box 110025, New Delhi, India.
Vaseem
V
Raja
Oral Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
Md
M
Irshad
Oral Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
Maribasappa
M
Karched
Membrane Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India.
Intzar
I
Ali
Department of Applied Sciences & Humanities, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), P.O. Box 110025, New Delhi, India.
Weqar A
WA
Siddiqi
Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Lee Ting
LT
Hun
D000171:Acrolein / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D015003:Yeasts / Q000187:drug effects
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000171:Acrolein; C012843:cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamaldehyde; Cinnamaldehyde derivatives; Fungal infections; Mechanism of action and future perspectives; Synergistic effects