Scientists from the Federal University of Kazan (Volga Region) together with experts from the Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety (Kazan) have created a new compound based on terpene alcohol, designed to combat Candida fungi that cause thrush. Research results published In Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry.
Candidiasis (or thrush) is manifested by lesions of the oral cavity and genital organs with yeast-like fungi. They are classified as conditionally pathogenic microflora, that is, microorganisms that constantly live on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people. But sometimes the number of fungi increases significantly and a common disease called thrush appears. For their treatment, drugs based on azoles, which are mainly organic nitrogen-containing molecules, are used. Azole drugs cause the death of these cells by disrupting cell membrane synthesis in fungi. However, over time, pathogens become resistant to such drugs, just as bacteria lose their sensitivity to antibiotics. As a result, therapy becomes ineffective.
The new substance found belongs to the group of terpenoids, which are plant oxygen-containing compounds. Therapinoids inhibit the growth of fungi (although they do not kill them as azol-containing preparations) and penetrate the skin easily. What’s more, they can “drag” other molecules with them. One of the terpenoid derivatives is currently undergoing clinical trials and may soon enter medical practice as a drug for the treatment of thrush.
“The use of such semi-synthetic compounds in the future will make it possible to create biocompatible antifungal drugs based on natural raw materials and products from their processing,” said project manager Alan Akhmedov, Candidate of Chemical Sciences. Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, KFU.
In the future, experts plan to develop a full-fledged drug that will be applied to the affected areas of the skin.
formerly gynecologist announced, as indicated by pain during intercourse. According to the expert, this may be due to thrush.