A Review on Antifungal Properties of Herbal Plants

Abstract

The rising incidence of fungal infections and the limitation of conventional antifungal therapies have intensified the search for effective natural alternatives. Medicinal plants, long used in traditional systems, have shown promising antifungal potential due to their diverse bioactive compounds. This review brings together and critically discusses available evidence on the antifungal properties of fifteen medicinal plants, including Artemisia judaica, Asparagus racemosus, Thymelaea hirsuta, Curcuma longa, and Ocimum sanctum. Different extraction approaches were reported, with a strong emphasis on solvent-based methods that influence the yield and effectiveness of bioactive constituents. Antifungal activity was assessed using widely accepted laboratory techniques such as disc diffusion, agar well diffusion, broth microdilution, and poison food methods against clinically important fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, and dermatophytes. The findings consistently showed that methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibited stronger antifungal activity compared to aqueous preparations. Several studies also highlighted dose-dependent responses and variability based on fungal strain and plant part used. Importantly, some plant extracts demonstrated activity comparable to standard antifungal drugs, suggesting their potential as alternative or complementary therapies. The review further emphasizes the role of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolics in mediating antifungal effects, reinforcing the therapeutic relevance of traditional medicinal plants. Active compound such as glabridin, curdione, and piperitone contributed to mechanism including membrane disruption, inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, and suppression of fungal respiration. These finding support the potential of plants-based antifungal agent and encourage further pharmacological validation and formulation development.