Antifungal Efficacy of Terpenes and Mechanism of Action Against Human Pathogenic Fungi

Terpenes are a broad and abundant class of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. They have attracted a lot of attention due to their ability to inhibit human pathogenic fungi. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the antifungal efficacy of terpenes and their mechanisms of action. Through an exploration of recent research findings, the chapter elucidates the diverse array of terpenes with potent antifungal activity, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents in combating fungal infections. Furthermore, it examines the underlying mechanisms through which terpenes exert their antifungal effects, including disruption of fungal cell membranes, interference with fungal cell wall synthesis, inhibition of fungal enzymes, and modulation of fungal gene expression. Understanding the antifungal mechanisms of terpenes is crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential and developing novel antifungal agents.