Antifungal potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus extracts against the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
5
Issued Date
2025-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19326203
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105025246891
Journal Title
Plos One
Volume
20
Issue
12 December
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Plos One Vol.20 No.12 December (2025)
Suggested Citation
Khongthongdam M., Jantarach T., Phetruen T., Chanarat S. Antifungal potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus extracts against the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Plos One Vol.20 No.12 December (2025). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0339279 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113693
Title
Antifungal potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus extracts against the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
Rhinacanthus nasutus (snake jasmine) has been widely used in Thai-traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fungal infections. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of R. nasutus extracts and their impact on the virulence factors of Cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogenic yeast responsible for cryptococcal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Extracts were prepared from the leaves, roots, and a combination thereof, with rhincanthin-C quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antifungal activity was assessed using a spot assay against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. neoformans. The root extract demonstrated the strongest antifungal effect, particularly against C. neoformans. Further investigation into virulence factors revealed a noticeable reduction in melanin production, cell and capsule sizes and alterations in cell structure, suggesting cellular abnormality. The findings of this study demonstrate the antifungal potential of R. nasutus and may warrant future exploration of its therapeutic applications for treating fungal infections.