Mechanistic Elucidation of the Antifungal Activity of Persea americana Seeds Against Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris and Candida albicans

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens, particularly Candida auris and Candida albicans, represents a significant global health challenge. Plant-derived bioactive compounds provide promising alternatives for antifungal therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal killing kinetics of Persea americana seed extracts against multidrug-resistant C. auris and C. albicans. Methods: Time-kill assays were performed at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 2×MIC, 4×MIC, and 8×MIC. Log₁₀ viable counts were determined over 42 hours. Phytochemical profiling of the extract was conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results: The extract exhibited dose- and time-dependent antifungal activity, producing significant reductions in viable counts compared to controls. At higher concentrations (4×MIC and 8×MIC), rapid killing was observed, with near-complete clearance by 42 hours. HPLC analysis identified flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, catechin), phenolic acids (p-coumaric acid, quinic acid), and phytosterols (campesterol), which likely contributed to the antifungal activity. Conclusion: These results indicate that P. americana seed extracts possess potent antifungal properties, exhibiting both fungistatic and fungicidal effects depending on dose and exposure time. The findings highlight the potential of P. americana seeds as a source of novel antifungal agents.

Keywords: Candida auris, Candida albicans, Persea americana, Drug Resistance, Antifungal Agents, Plant extract