Discovery of semisynthetic derivatives of (<i>R</i>)- and (<i>S</i>)-usnic acids as potential antifungal agents against <i>C. tropicalis</i> and <i>T. rubrum</i>.

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of human fungal infections (FIs) is rapidly increasing worldwide, posing substantial challenges to public health. The underestimation of FIs risk led to a limited knowledge of the fungal pathogenicity and a concomitant paucity of antimycotic drugs that are increasingly unable to effectively address resistance liabilities. The identification of innovative antifungal drugs is therefore an urgent need. Natural products have always been under scrutiny in the drug discovery process. Of these, usnic acid (UA) represents a compelling starting point for antifungal drug development due to its natural occurrence as a secondary metabolite in various lichen species, where it serves as a natural defence mechanism against fungal invasion. This dibenzofuran derivative possesses an i

SUBMITTER: Fontana A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12272722 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature