Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine-derived formulations and extracts in Candida infections: Current trends and future directions

Candida infections have emerged as a global public health crisis with elevating morbidity and mortality. Currently, the major obstacles to managing Candida infections are limited antifungal options, increasing fungal resistance, and serious adverse drug reactions, all of which significantly compromise patient prognosis. Consequently, developing innovative and effective therapeutic agents to address these challenges is exceedingly demanded. Accumulating evidence highlights that traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) possess favorable antifungal properties, offering advantages such as improved efficacy, reduced resistance, and fewer side effects. As a result, TCMs are increasingly recognized as promising sources for discovering novel antifungals. In light of this, this review summarizes the relevant literature published over the last decade (2014–2024), providing an exhaustive overview of the anti- Candida effects of TCM-derived formulations and bioactive extracts, along with their underlying mechanisms. Collectively, we emphasize that future research trends in this field should focus on continuously identifying novel anti- Candida drugs derived from TCMs and elucidating their exact mechanisms of action. In addition, clinical trials should be conducted to validate the antifungal efficacy of TCMs in humans, ultimately advancing their future medical applications. • Anti- Candida formulations and extracts from traditional Chinese medicine are reviewed. • ●Key mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against Candida infections are summarized. • ●Traditional Chinese medicine-based therapies hold strong developmental potential and clinical value.