Gallic Acid Leads to Cell Death of <i>Candida Albicans</i> by the Apoptosis Mechanism

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To evaluate the antifungal activity of gallic acid (GA) against the strains of <i>Candida</i> spp. resistant to fluconazole and to determine its mechanism of action. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Antifungal activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution and flow cytometry techniques. <b>Results:</b> GA presented minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 16 to 72 μg/ml, causing alterations of the membrane integrity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, production of reactive oxygen species and externalization of phosphatidylserine. <b>Conclusion:</b> GA has potential antifungal activity against <i>Candida</i> spp.