Fungal infections can cause illness and death in people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization, fungal infections are responsible for an estimated 1.5 million deaths each year.
The limited availability of antifungal treatments is a major challenge in the fight against fungal infections.
The limited number of antifungal drug classes with diverse mechanisms means there is no universal treatment for fungal infections. Moreover, fungi can develop resistance to antifungal medications, complicating the treatment of infections.
The rise of antifungal resistance is a serious problem. However, researchers from the University of Oklahoma have reported a potential breakthrough treatment for fungal infections, as per the Journal of Natural Products.
Water lily or lotus that can fight off fungal infection.
Scientists found a molecule in a species of water lily that can fight off fungal infection. The molecule called persephacin was found in the leaves of the water lily. This molecule can disrupt the cell walls of fungi. This makes it difficult for fungi to grow and spread.
This discovery is a promising development in the fight against fungal infections.
Persephacin has been shown to be effective against a variety of fungi, including Candida albicans, which is a common cause of yeast infections. It could be used to develop new antifungal drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects than the antifungal drugs that are currently available.
