Antifungal

Antifungal plants are used to manage or prevent infections caused by pathogenic fungi including yeasts or moulds. Their pharmacological actions involve directly destroying the fungal cells or through inhibition of fungal cell growth. Key mechanisms of action include disrupting fungal cell walls or membranes, interfering with metabolic processes, and breaking down protective biofilms that enable fungal persistence.

Antifungals can be prescribed for treatment of conditions such as oral or vaginal thrush, candidiasis, ringworm or athlete’s foot. Many antifungal herbs also exert an immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory action, helping to support the innate immune defences.

Examples of antifungal herbs include garlic (Allium sativum), calendula (Calendula officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris).