Candida
is a genus of yeasts and is currently the most common cause of fungal
infections worldwide. Many Candida species are pathogenic to man due to the
ability to produce toxins, develop as biofilm and to create hypha (spread). Candida
infections are usually in the mouth and\or the vagina, but also in the skin,
urinary tract, digestive system and blood (candidemia). Candida is also an
important factor in mortality of immunosuppressive patients such as AIDS and
cancer. To-date, candida infection is treated with antifungals such as
fluconazole and amphotericin, but in the recent years there are a growing
number of reports of resistance isolates, especially in Candida glabrata
and Candida kursei. Here we are looking into Pistacia atlantica (Anacardiaceae)
as a source for anticandidal compounds. Our experiments have demonstrated
activity of Pistacia atlantica methanolic leaf extract against six candida
species and we are working to isolate and characterize the specific compounds.
