What is an antifungal?
Antifungal action is brought upon by certain substances to remove the fungal pathogens from the host. These substances can be applied topically or administered orally, as per the locality of fungal infection. Pathogenic fungi are the most common cause of opportunistic infections and people suffering from AIDS or any other immunosuppressing disorder are more prone to it.
The antifungals target the cell membrane, disrupting its integrity, and prompting the leakage of cytoplasmic content, thus killing the fungi in the process. In 1958, amphotericin B, the very first antifungal medication, was introduced but its toxicity profile led to the generation of other potent antifungals, such as azole antifungals, allylamine and morpholine antifungals, and antimetabolites.
What are the herbal benefits of Antifungals?
Antifungals help with a wide array of fungal infections, such as:
- Athlete's foot
- Ringworm infection
- Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)
- Vaginal thrush
- Genital candidiasis
- Fungal meningitis
- Severe dandruff
- Aspergillosis
- Jock itch