DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/54/132-136
Shafiga Suleymanova
Nakhchivan State University
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2986-3996
shefiqesuleymanova@ndu.edu.az
Shovkat Alisoy
Nakhchivan State University
Bachelor student
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3759-5209
alisoyshovkat@ndu.edu.az
Determination of Antifungal Properties of Natural Origin Preparations Obtained from Apitherapy and Phytotherapy Products
Abstract
Fungal infections, particularly mycoses caused by Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Fusarium species, lead to severe pathological complications in individuals with weakened immune systems. The toxicity and resistance issues associated with current antifungal drugs necessitate the investigation of natural-origin alternatives. In this study, the antifungal activity and mechanisms of action of apitherapy products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom) and phytotherapy components (garlic, tea tree oil, black cumin, and nanoparticulated plant extracts) were systematized based on scientific literature. During data systematization, criteria such as the type of antifungal activity, the concentration of the natural product used, and its mechanism of action were considered fundamental.
The findings indicate that these natural products disrupt the structural integrity of fungal cell walls and membranes, inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, and exert fungicidal effects by increasing oxidative stress. The synergistic combination of propolis and plant extracts enhances antifungal efficacy and demonstrates effectiveness against resistant strains. However, limitations such as insufficient standardization, toxicity evaluation, and a lack of clinical trials restrict the practical application of these preparations. The study concludes that natural antifungal agents may serve as safe and effective alternatives to synthetic drugs.
Keywords: apitherapy, phytotherapy, antifungal activity, propolis, honey, allicin, Candida albicans, natural preparations, nanoparticles