# In vitro and in vivo activity of 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloyl-glucose against Candida albicans

## TL;DR

This study shows that a natural compound called PGG can fight Candida albicans infections in lab and animal tests, possibly by inhibiting a key protein.

## Contribution

PGG is identified as a new Eno1 inhibitor with antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

## Key findings

- PGG exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity and enhances fluconazole efficacy.
- PGG protects mice from gastrointestinal and systemic Candida albicans infections.
- PGG inhibits the activity of the CaEno1 protein, a key therapeutic target.

## Abstract

Invasive fungal infections have become an increasingly serious threat to global human health, underscoring the urgent need for the development of new antifungal drugs. In this study, we found a natural polyphenolic compound 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloyl-glucose (PGG), which is present in various plants and herbs. PGG showed broad-spectrum antifungal activities, enhancing the efficacy of fluconazole. Furthermore, PGG could protect mice against gastrointestinal and systemic infection with Candida albicans. Our mechanistic studies revealed that PGG exerts its antifungal effects partially by binding to the CaEno1 protein to inhibit its activity. As a crucial therapeutic target, Eno1 has been reported to be closely associated with cancer, hypertension, and infectious diseases. Our findings indicated that PGG, a new Eno1 inhibitor, is a potential candidate for further antifungal development.