Mitracarpus frigidus in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Properties.

Mitracarpus frigidus (Rubiaceae) is a Brazilian native species traditionally used in folk medicine and has been associated with a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Among the relevant targets, Candida spp. stand out as opportunistic fungi responsible for infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis, a widespread public health concern aggravated by the growing limitations and reduced efficacy of conventional antifungal therapies. Thus, this study investigated the cytotoxic and in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of M. frigidus hexanic extract (MFH) against Candida species and its possible mechanism of action. Eleven compounds were identified in MFH, including pentalongin and stigmasterol. In vitro assays revealed that MFH exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 250 and 1000 μg/mL against Candida strains, indicating fungistatic effects. Mechanism of action assays revealed that MFH disrupted fungal cell envelopes, damaged mitochondrial membranes, and inhibited growth phases. MFH reduced fungal cell viability without causing mammalian cell cytotoxicity. In vivo, MFH reduced fungal infection in an experimental model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. These results emphasize the potential of M. frigidus as a therapeutic agent against Candida-associated infections, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis, and encourage further studies, including those involving human volunteers.