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. 2015 Dec 21;6:1420. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01420

Potential Use of Phenolic Acids as Anti-Candida Agents: A Review

Guilherme R Teodoro 1, Kassapa Ellepola 2, Chaminda J Seneviratne 2,*, Cristiane Y Koga-Ito 1,3,*
PMCID: PMC4685070  PMID: 26733965

Abstract

There has been a sharp rise in the occurrence of Candida infections and associated mortality over the last few years, due to the growing body of immunocompromised population. Limited number of currently available antifungal agents, undesirable side effects and toxicity, as well as emergence of resistant strains pose a considerable clinical challenge for the treatment of candidiasis. Therefore, molecules that derived from natural sources exhibiting considerable antifungal properties are a promising source for the development of novel anti-candidal therapy. Phenolic compounds isolated from natural sources possess antifungal properties of interest. Particularly, phenolic acids have shown promising in vitro and in vivo activity against Candida species. However, studies on their mechanism of action alone or in synergism with known antifungals are still scarce. This review attempts to discuss the potential use, proposed mechanisms of action and limitations of the phenolic acids in anti-candidal therapy.

Keywords: Candida, phenolic acids, phenolic compounds, antifungal effect, synergism

Introduction

Candida species are a major group of fungal pathogens in humans, particularly among immunocompromised and hospitalized patients (Cuellar-Cruz et al., 2012). Candida albicans inhabits various body surfaces like oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and skin of the healthy individuals as a commensal organism (Kleinegger et al., 1996; Huffnagle and Noverr, 2013). Host-related factors can predispose the transformation of harmless Candida into an opportunistic pathogen, causing infection or candidiasis in superficial mucous surfaces which can progress into invasive mycoses (Nett and Andes, 2006). Foregoing factors include, but not limited to immuno-suppression, prolonged treatment with wide-spectrum antibiotics and chronic diseases (Kullberg and Arendrup, 2015; Polke et al., 2015). The epidemiology of invasive candidiasis varies geographically (Morgan, 2005; Pfaller et al., 2011). It significantly increases the period of hospitalization, economic burden and mortality, especially in ICU patients or those under chemotherapy or with a history of abdominal surgery (Falagas et al., 2006; Berdal et al., 2014; Drgona et al., 2014).

Only few classes of antifungals such as polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, allylamines, and flucytosine are available for the treatment of Candida infections (Sanglard et al., 2009). However, there are various undesirable properties, most importantly the dose-related toxicity in aforementioned antifungals (Chandrasekar, 2011). Ideally, an antifungal should have null or reduced toxicity toward human cells (Wong et al., 2014). For instance, amphotericin B is a polyene available for systemic administration, but its use has been limited due to its systemic side effects such as nephrotoxicity (Odds et al., 2003). Azole antifungals have some side effects associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic, and endocrinologic disorders and interfere with oxidative drug metabolism in the liver (Joly et al., 1992).

In addition, rising drug resistance is an inevitable problem. In particular, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei show intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, the drug of choice for AIDS patients (Kanafani and Perfect, 2008; Siikala et al., 2010; Rautemaa and Ramage, 2011). Drug resistance has already been reported for recently introduced echinocandin antifungal agents (Hakki et al., 2006; Ben-Ami et al., 2011; Clancy and Nguyen, 2011; Seneviratne et al., 2011). Moreover, biofilm mode of Candida is known to be highly resistant to antifungal agents (Chandra et al., 2005; Niimi et al., 2010). Therefore, it is necessary to discover new antifungal agents or safer alternatives to improve the efficacy of treatment against Candida infections. In this regard, antifungal agents based on natural resources, such as phenolic compounds may be an alternative strategy to negate the rising antifungal drug resistance (Negri et al., 2014). This review attempts to critically analyze the possible use of phenolic acids as a therapeutic strategy against Candida infections.

Phenolic compounds are widely found in plant foods (fruits, cereal grains, legumes, and vegetables) and beverages (tea, coffee, fruits juices, and cocoa). The most common phenolic compounds are phenolic acids (cinnamic and benzoic acids), flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, coumarins, stilbenes, lignans, and lignins (Figure 1; Cowan, 1999; Chirinos et al., 2009; Khoddami et al., 2013). The anti-Candida properties of phenolic compounds that have been widely reported in the literature include inactivation of enzyme production (Evensen and Braun, 2009) and anti-biofilm effect (Evensen and Braun, 2009; Shahzad et al., 2014).

FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 1

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Examples of phenolic compounds and main derivates classified as phenolic acids.

Phenolic acids are derivatives of hydrocinnamic, hydrobenzoic, phenylacetic, and phenylpropionic acids (Figures 1 and 2; Pereira et al., 2009; Cueva et al., 2010). Phenolic acids commonly exist as esters, glycosides or amides in nature, but not in their free form. The determining factor for characterization of phenolic acids is the number and the location of hydroxyl groups on the aromatic ring. Some natural sources are rich in phenolic acids and shown to possess a promising action against Candida (Table 1). In this review, we discuss the anti-candidal activity of the phenolic acid compounds, possible mechanism of actions and future directions.

FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 2

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General chemical structures of the phenolic acids [based on Pereira et al. (2009) and Cueva et al. (2010)].

Table 1.

Phenolic acids derived from plants extracts showing activity against Candida sp.

Plant Phenolic acids found Type of extract Microorganism MIC value μg/ml MBC value μg/ml Reference
Buchenavia tomentosa Gallic acid Aqueous C. albicans ATCC 18804 C. tropicalis ATCC 13803 C. krusei ATCC 6258 C. glabrata ATCC C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 C. dubliniensis NCPF 3108 200–12500 6500 C. krusei (ATCC 6258) Teodoro et al., 2015
Rosa rugosa Protocatechuic, gallic, and p-coumaric acids Methanolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 156 1250 Nowak et al., 2014
Teucrium arduini L. Ferulic acid Ethanolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 4000 NR Kremer et al., 2013
Potentilla sp. Caffeic acid and ferulic acid Acetonic and methaolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 780–1560 NR Wang et al., 2013
Dimocarpus longan Lour Gallic acid Spray-dried or Freeze-dried water C. krusei ATCC 10231 C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 C. albicans ATCC 90028 and clinical strains 500–4000 NR Rangkadilok et al., 2012
Ligusticum mutellina L. Gallic, p-OH-benzoic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids Methanolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 1250 2500 Sieniawska et al., 2013
Limonium avei Caffeic, m-coumaric, p-coumaric, ferulic, isovanillic, p-methoxybenzoic, protocatechuic, sinapinic, and vanillic acids Ethanolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 4000 >4000 Nostro et al., 2012
Kitaibelia vitifolia p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids Ethanolic C. albicans ATCC 10231 15.62 NR Maskovic et al., 2011
Tamarix gallica L. Gallic, synnapic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, vanillic, p-coumaric, ferrulic, trans-2-hydroxycinnamic and trans-cinnamic acids Hydromethanolic C. kefyr, C. holmii, C. albicans, C. sake, C. glabrata 2000 NR Ksouri et al., 2009
Cirsium sp. Caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, p-hidroxybenzoic, protocatechuic vanillic, and gallic acids Aqueous C. albicans ATCC 10231 780–1560 6250 to >50000 Nazaruk et al., 2008
Olea europaea L. Caffeic acid Aqueous C. albicans CECT 1394 5000∗ NR Pereira et al., 2007
Anogeissus latifolia Gallic acid Hydroalcoholic after maceration with ether Candida albicans (MTCC 183) 7.28 μg/ml NR Govindarajan et al., 2006
Berry (Cloudberry Raspberry, Strawberry) Hydroxycinnamic acids Acetonic 70% Candida albicans NCPF 3179 1000 μg/ml NR Nohynek et al., 2006
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NR, not reported; *IC25.

Antifungal Activity of Phenolic Acids Against Candida Species

Natural extracts containing phenolic acids have demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species (Table 1). Phenolic acid derivatives isolated from these sources such as gallic, caffeic, cinnamic, benzoic, protocatechuic, and phenylacetic acids also have antifungal activity (Table 2). However, the antifungal effect of the natural extracts may vary due to the differences in the quantity and the type of phenolic acid. In addition, the solvents used for extraction may also affect the antifungal effect. Moreover, other compounds present in natural extracts may act synergistically with phenolic acids to enhance the overall antifungal effect (Pereira et al., 2007; Nowak et al., 2014). Therefore, phenolic acids derived from different natural sources have highly variable MIC values against Candida (Table 2). Hence, a clear understanding of the composition of phenolic acids present in the natural extract is important to assess its potential as an antifungal agent (Salvador et al., 2004; Rangkadilok et al., 2012).

Table 2.

Evidences from literature regarding anti-Candida effect of phenolic acids.

Molecule Anti-Candida effect Result found Reference
Gallic acid Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 18804), C. krusei (ATCC 6258), C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), C. dubliniensis (NCPF 3108), and C. glabrata (ATCC 90030) MIC (μg/ml) respectively: 10000, 10000, 10000, 10000, 8 Teodoro et al., 2015
Planktonic cells and biofilm of C. albicans (ATCC 90028), C. glabrata (ATCC 2001), C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750) MIC (μg/ml) planktonic: <156 μg/ml MIC (μg/ml) biofilm respectively: 5000, 1250, 625, 625 Alves et al., 2014
Planktonic cells (plate diffusion) MIC (mg cm-3): 2.5 Manayi et al., 2013
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 10231) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750) MIC and MFC (μg/ml) respectively: 200, 200, 200, 100 Gehrke et al., 2013
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 90028) and 5 clinical strains, C. krusei (ATCC 6258), and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 20019) MIC (μg/ml) respectively: 4000,4000,8000,4000, 16000, 16000, 8000, 4000 Rangkadilok et al., 2012
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 10231) and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) MIC (μg/ml) respectively: 8, 16 Ozcelik et al., 2011
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 90028), C. krusei (ATCC 6258), and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) MIC (μg/ml): 100 Liu et al., 2009
Biofilm of C. albicans (not cited strain) MIC (μg/ml): 1000 Wang et al., 2009
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (MTCC 183) MIC (μg/ml): 1.78 Govindarajan et al., 2006
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (not cited strain) Halo: 12 mm (100 μg on a sterile filter paper disk with 6 mm diameter) Fogliani et al., 2005
Caffeic acid Planktonic cells of C. albicans and inhibition of isocitrate lyase activity assay MIC (μg/ml): 1000; inhibition of 91,5% of the isocitrate lyase enzyme activity Cheah et al., 2014
Planktonic cells and biofilm of C. albicans (ATCC 10231) MIC (μg/ml): planktonic: 128; pre-formed, 4 and 24 h biofilm: 256 De Vita et al., 2014
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 10231) and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) MIC (μg/ml) respectively: 8, 16 Ozcelik et al., 2011
Protocatechuic acid Planktonic cells of C. albicans (LMP709U) MIC and MFC (μg/ml) respectively: 156, 312 Kuete et al., 2009
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (10231) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 7349) MIC (μg/ml) respectively: 500, 400 Pretto et al., 2004
Phenylacetic acid Planktonic cells (plate diffusion) of C. albicans (clinical strains) Halo: 8–10.5 mm (20 μl of a 2000 ng/ml phenylacetic acid water solution on sterile filter paper disk with 6 mm diameter) Mendonca Ade et al., 2009
Cinnamic acid Immunoregulatory effect on monocytes activation against C. albicans (SC 5314) Significant reduce of C. albicans counts in 50 and 100 μg/ml Conti et al., 2013
Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 90028, ATCC 10231, PYCC 3436T) C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019, PYCC 2545), C. glabrata (PYCC 2418T) C. tropicalis (PYCC 3097T), C. krusei (PYCC 3341), C. lusitaniae PYCC 2705T and synergism with antifungals IC 50 (mmol l-1): 0.09 to 0.74; none synergism found Faria et al., 2011
Benzoic acid Planktonic cells of C. albicans (ATCC 90028, ATCC 10231, PYCC 3436T) C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019, PYCC 2545), C. glabrata (PYCC 2418T) C. tropicalis (PYCC 3097T), C. krusei (PYCC 3341), C. lusitaniae PYCC 2705T and synergism with antifungals IC 50 (mmol l-1): 0.05–0.73 Synergism found to C. albicans with amphotericin and itraconazole Faria et al., 2011
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The main Candida virulence factors are exoenzymes production, biofilm formation, adherence, and dimorphism (Vuong et al., 2004; Netea et al., 2008; Williams et al., 2011). Few studies have demonstrated the influence of phenolic acids against these factors. Anti-biofilm effect of phenolic acids against Candida sp. was reported (Wang et al., 2009; Alves et al., 2014; De Vita et al., 2014). However, the studies used only reference samples or did not cite the tested strain (Table 2). The anti-biofilm effect of these molecules should be carried out with clinical isolates in vitro and in vivo, since the ultimate goal of using these molecules is to treat candidiasis and a wider range of strains could provide more reliable results. Besides that, it also has found an influence of caffeic acid derivate against the Candida dimorphism (Sung and Lee, 2010).

However, several studies described effect on Candida virulence factors of some others phenolic molecules. For instance, bisbibenzyl stimulates the synthesis of farnesol, an inhibitor of hyphae formation, via upregulation of Dpp3 gene (Zhang et al., 2011). Hence, bisbibenzyl may reduce C. albicans hyphal formation and affect biofilm formation. Moreover, anti-hyphae effect in C. albicans was also found following the treatment with epigallocatechin-gallate (Han, 2007), licochalcone A, gladribin (Messier and Grenier, 2011), and thymol (Braga et al., 2007). Additionally, eugenol reduces germ tube formation in C. albicans (Pinto et al., 2009). Beyond that, several studies have shown anti-biofilm (Messier et al., 2011; Alves et al., 2014; Rane et al., 2014; Shahzad et al., 2014) and anti-adhesive (Feldman et al., 2012; Rane et al., 2014; Shahzad et al., 2014) activities of phenolics against Candida.

The number of studies on other phenolic molecules on Candida virulence factors with interesting results inspires a carefully investigation of phenolic acids influence on these factors.

Mechanism of Action, Biological Pathways, and Synergism with Antifungal Agents of Phenolic Acids Against Candida

In order to obtain some insights on the antifungal activity of phenolic acids, herein we compare the existing data along the lines of mechanism of action, synergy with known antifungal agents and others biological pathways (Figure 3).

FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 3

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Described mechanisms of action and biological pathways of some phenolic acids against Candida. (1) Ma et al. (2010); (2) Cheah et al. (2014); (3,4) Sung and Lee (2010); (5) Conti et al. (2013); (6) Alves et al. (2014); (7) De Vita et al. (2014); (8) Wang et al. (2009).

Mechanisms of Action and Biological Pathways

Phenolic acids such as ferulic and gallic acids are known to affect the cell membrane of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria leading to a change in cell surface hydrophobicity and charge, ultimately causing leakage of cytoplasmic content (Borges et al., 2013). A similar effect has been suggested for the caffeic acid derivative on Candida cytoplasmatic membrane (Sung and Lee, 2010). Furthermore, a possible effect on the C. albicans cell wall has been shown for caffeic acid derivatives which may interfere with 1,3-β-glucan synthase (Ma et al., 2010).

It is noteworthy that polyene antifungals also cause pouring of cellular contents through direct binding to ergosterol, distorting the membrane function. Also, azole antifungal agents inhibit biosynthesis of ergosterol (Vanden Bossche et al., 2004). No study on the effect of phenolic acid on the ergosterol composition or biosynthesis could be detected.

Mode of action of several others phenolic compounds provide some clues to deduce the mechanism of phenolic acids. For instance, isoquercetin (Yun et al., 2015), curcumin (Lee and Lee, 2014), and lariciresinol (Pinto et al., 2009) can damage the C. albicans cell membrane. On the other hand, eugenol and methyleugenol cause considerable reduction in the ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida and subsequently affecting the cell membrane (Ahmad et al., 2010b). Similar effect has been observed with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (Navarro-Martinez et al., 2006), thymol and carvacrol (Ahmad et al., 2011). Besides, cardanol demonstrated chitin-binding ability in C. albicans cell wall (Mahata et al., 2014).

Few studies have found about others biological pathways of phenolic acids against Candida. Exemplifying, an in vitro immunoregulatory effect on monocytes against C. albicans by cinnamic acid (Conti et al., 2013) and a inhibition of C. albicans isocitrate lyase enzyme activity after treatment with caffeic acid (Cheah et al., 2014) was reported. However, several studies have suggested that the other biological pathways and cellular targets of others phenolic compounds may be different from that of existing antifungal agents. Some phenolic compounds have shown to induce apoptotic mechanisms in Candida, thereby contributing to their antifungal activity (Zore et al., 2011). For instance, eugenol inhibits the cell cycle at G1, S, and G2-M phases in C. albicans and consequently induces apoptosis. Another phenolic compound, curcumin also induces apoptosis in C. albicans, by increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of CaMCA1 gene expression (Cao et al., 2009). On the contrary, baicalein increases ROS causing perturbation in mitochondrial homeostasis in C. krusei without inducing apoptosis (Kang et al., 2010). Methyl chavicol seemed to induce aptotosis in C. albicans although the exact pathway is still not clear (Khan et al., 2014). Blocking effect of thymol, carvacrol (Ahmad et al., 2013) and baicalein (Huang et al., 2008) on the drug transporter pumps in Candida has been demonstrated using rhodamine 6G dye. Inhibition of efflux transporters results in accumulation of antifungal compounds inside the cell making Candida highly susceptible to the antifungal agent (Huang et al., 2008). These helpful anti-Candida biological pathways observed for phenolic molecules, mainly on the drug transporters pumps may contribute to elucidate the possible effects of phenolic acids against Candida.

Another aspect to be considered is that previous studies reported that some Candida species were able to metabolize phenolic acids (Middelhoven et al., 1992; Middelhoven, 1993). C. parapsilosis was able to grow in the presence of some phenolic acids after 3 days of cultivation. On the other hand, C. tropicalis was unable to grow in the presence of phenolic acids even after 14 days of cultivation (Middelhoven, 1993). These evidences should be better investigated in the future. Further studies are warranted to obtain a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and others biological pathways of phenolic acids on Candida cells.

Synergism with Existing Antifungal Agents

Apart from rising antifungal resistance, there are other important limitations in the existing antifungal agents, such as inadequate spectrum of activity, poor bioavailability, small tolerance index, interactions with other drugs, inadequate pharmacokinetic profile, and considerable toxic effects (Lewis and Graybill, 2008; Pfaller et al., 2010). Although phytochemicals remain an important source for the discovery of new antifungal agents, micro-plate based in vitro screening assays have not shown higher effectiveness of plant extracts when compared to the existing antifungal agents with higher efficacy (Newman and Cragg, 2012). Hence, in general, plant extracts with higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) such as 1000 μg/ml are considered ineffective (Morales et al., 2008).

Therefore, some studies have explored the possibility of synergistic activity of phenolic acids and existing antifungal agents in order to maximize the antifungal effect. It is a good strategy to study the synergistic effect when MIC values of phenolic acids against Candida are highly variable (Rauha et al., 2000; Kalinowska et al., 2014). Synergistic effect of benzoic acid with amphotericin B and itraconazole against C. albicans has been reported in literature (Faria et al., 2011; Table 3). However, mechanism of this synergistic effect of phenolic acids and conventional antifungal agents is poorly understood. Therefore, it is important to examine similar synergistic effects shown by others phenolic compounds and conventional antifungal agents in order to obtain some insight.

Table 3.

Synergism of phenolic compounds with traditional antifungals in their action against Candida albicans.

Compound Fluconazole Amphotericin B Itraconazole Others
2,5 Dihydroxybenzaldehyde ___ Faria et al., 2011 Faria et al., 2011 ___
Baicalein Huang et al., 2008† Fu et al., 2011 ___ ___
Benzoic acid∗∗ ___ Faria et al., 2011 Faria et al., 2011 ___
Benzyl benzoate Zore et al., 2011† ___ ___ ___
Butylated hydroxyanisole Simonetti et al., 2002† Andrews et al., 1977∗; Beggs et al., 1978∗ Simonetti et al., 2003†
Carvacrol Ahmad et al., 2013‡ ___ ___ ___
Cinnamaldehyde Khan and Ahmad, 2012 ___ ___ ___
Curcumin I Sharma et al., 2010‡ Sharma et al., 2010 Sharma et al., 2010‡ Sharma et al., 2010‡
Epigallocatechin-gallate Hirasawa and Takada, 2004‡ Hirasawa and Takada, 2004‡; Han, 2007 Navarro-Martinez et al., 2006 Navarro-Martinez et al., 2006
Eugenol Ahmad et al., 2010a‡; Zore et al., 2011; Khan and Ahmad, 2012∗∗∗ ___ ___ ___
Glabridin Liu et al., 2014 ___ ___ Messier and Grenier, 2011
Honokiol Jin et al., 2010† ___ ___ ___
Licochalcone A ___ ___ ___ Messier and Grenier, 2011
Methyleugenol Ahmad et al., 2010a‡ ___ ___ ___
Punicalagin Endo et al., 2010† ___ ___ ___
Propyl gallate D’Auria et al., 2001† Andrews et al., 1977; Beggs et al., 1978∗ D’Auria et al., 2001† Strippoli et al., 2000†
Thymol Guo et al., 2009‡; Faria et al., 2011; Ahmad et al., 2013‡ Guo et al., 2009; Faria et al., 2011 Faria et al., 2011 ___
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∗Ineffectiveness antifungal effect of phenolic alone; ∗∗phenolic acid; ∗∗∗performed on biofilm formation; †resistant strain; ‡resistant and susceptible strains.

A promising synergism between phenolic compounds and fluconazole against resistant strains of Candida tropicalis was described recently (da Silva et al., 2014). Several other studies have also demonstrated a significant synergism between other known antifungals and phenolic compounds against C. albicans (Table 3). Some studies suggested that the synergism is due to the induction of apoptosis by an increase in the production of ROS. Hence, it was found that amphotericin B together with baicalein or curcumin increases the production of ROS (Sharma et al., 2010; Fu et al., 2011). A similar effect has been observed with fluconazole and curcumin (Sharma et al., 2010).

Another hypothesis for the aforementioned synergism is the association between folic acid cycle and ergosterol biosynthesis pathways of C. albicans. Hence, epigallocatechin-gallate, a phenolic compound was demonstrated to have a synergistic antifungal effect on Candida when combined with itraconazole or ketoconazole (Navarro-Martinez et al., 2006). Azoles directly inhibit the ergosterol biosynthesis while epigallocatechin-gallate has an antifolatic effect that indirectly affects the ergosterol biosynthesis. Epigallocatechin-gallate causes a depletion of the enzyme S-adenosylmethionine which in turn affects the enzyme Sterol C24 methyltransferase. Hence, lower production of C24 methyltransferase negatively affects the ergosterol biosynthesis. Direct and indirect effects on ergosterol biosynthesis explain the synergism between epigallocatechin-gallate and azoles (Navarro-Martinez et al., 2006).

Another study has shown that phenolic compounds such as thymol and carvacrol significantly decrease the expression levels of virulence genes CDR1 and MDR1 in fluconazole-resistant C. albicans (Ahmad et al., 2013). An in vivo study on systemic candidiasis in mice demonstrated that following the treatment with honokiol and fluconazole, the survival rate was 100% while a monotherapy showed only a survival rate of 80% to fluconazole and 20% to honokiol, respectively. Furthermore, the synergism of these two compounds led to a notable reduction in C. albicans counts in mouse kidneys compared with the fluconazole treatment alone (Jin et al., 2010). Similarly, mice treated with epigallocatechin-gallate and amphotericin B survived approximately 24 and 30 days longer when compared to the groups treated only with epigallocatechin-gallate or amphotericin B, respectively (Han, 2007). Considering the foregoing evidence obtained for other phenolic compounds, it is likely that potential of synergism exists between known antifungal agents and phenolic acids and this possibility needs to be examined in future.

Safety of the Phenolic Acids In vitro and In vivo

An ‘ideal’ antifungal agent for Candida infections should not have side effects or toxicity (Chapman et al., 2008; Wong et al., 2014). However, in reality, all the antifungals currently in use have some side effects on gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney (Wingard et al., 1999; Bates et al., 2001). Therefore, practically one would expect to have some dose-related side effects from any new antifungal agent. It is imperative to understand this limitation in order to appreciate promising qualities of the drug under investigation. DNA-damaging effect of phenolic acids has been observed in p53R cell lines treated with gallic acid (Hossain et al., 2014). Moreover, in vivo hepatotoxicity was observed in rats when given a diet supplemented with more than 200 mg/kg/day of gallic acid (Galati et al., 2006). In addition, hematological disorders, as well as liver and kidney weight increase were observed in rats fed with 0.6–5% of gallic acid daily for 13 weeks (Niho et al., 2001).

A potential carcinogenicity was observed on the fore-stomach of rats when fed with a powdered diet containing 0.4% of caffeic acid for up to 28 weeks (Hirose et al., 1998). The clastogenic power of caffeic and cinnamic acids have been described in vitro (Maistro et al., 2011). Subcronic administration of protocatechuic acid (0.1% in drinking water) for 60 days has shown a possible liver and kidney toxicity in mice (Nakamura et al., 2001). Sodium benzoate and sodium phenylacetate have been used in the treatment of acute hyperammonaemia and are derived from benzoic acid and phenylacetic acid respectively. Inappropriate doses of both substances may cause plasma acidosis, hypotension, cerebral edema and other neurotoxical effects, sometimes even death of patients (Kaufman, 1989; Praphanphoj et al., 2000). Phenylacetic acid can also affect the osteoblastic functions in vitro and increase cell proliferation in the alveolar region (Kaufmann et al., 2005; Yano et al., 2007). Sodium and potassium benzoates could be clastogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic to human lymphocytes in vitro (Zengin et al., 2011). Therefore, is imperative to examine the dose-related toxicity of phenolic acids in a series of comprehensive in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies before administration as an antifungal agent.

Conclusion

Phenolic acids demonstrate considerable antifungal properties against Candida. Previous studies have shown phenolic acid compounds possess considerable anti-adhesion, anti-biofilm effects, and inhibitory activity on morphogenesis and exoenzyme production of Candida species. However, hitherto no clear mechanism of action of phenolic acids on Candida cells and virulence factors has been described compared to the existing antifungal agents. Interestingly, there is substantial evidence of the synergistic effect of phenolic acids and existing antifungal agents which may become a promising anti-candidal strategy. However, more studies are in demand for a conclusive statement regarding their role. Therefore, we propose that more comprehensive studies are mandatory to obtain evidence regarding the suitability of the use of phenolic acids as a successful antifungal agent in future.

Author Contributions

GT conceived, designed, did the literature review, provided and wrote the manuscript. KE assisted in the preparation, design, final review, and co-wrote the manuscript. CK-I and CS conceived, designed, assisted in the literature and final review, and co-wrote the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, #/2013/0037-1 and #2012/16805-5) for financial support and fellowship to GT, to Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for sandwich Ph.D. fellowship to GT, and to National University of Singapore for providing Ph.D. fellowship to KE. GT’s Ph.D. internship at NUS was supported by NUS-Start-up grant (R-221-000-064-133) to CS.

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