Antifungal activity of 3,3'-dimethoxycurcumin (DMC) against dermatophytes and Candida species.

This article focuses on evaluating the antifungal potential of curcumin analogs, particularly 3,3'-dimethoxycurcumin (DMC), against dermatophyte and Candida species responsible for dermatomycosis. DMC demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity, including effectiveness against azole-resistant Candida strains, and showed synergistic effects when combined with terbinafine against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. Mechanistic assays indicated that DMC interacts with ergosterol in Candida membranes but does not affect fungal cell walls, and it significantly inhibited the yeast-to-hyphae transition in Candida albicans, a key virulence factor. Toxicity testing in Galleria mellonella larvae revealed no adverse effects, supporting DMC’s potential as a safe antifungal agent. The study highlights DMC as a promising candidate for developing new treatments for fungal infections, while noting the need for further in vivo research and exploration of species-specific responses.