yemenjmedYemen Journal of MedicinecoVolume 5 Issue 2MultidisciplinaryEnglishMay-August 2026NNY20260625ArticleBioactive Compounds From Culinary Spices as Potential Adjunctive Antifungal Agents Against Multidrug-Resistant Candida aurisEnglishY00Khawaja ShakeelAhmedEnglishN1 Merza H.HomadyEnglishY2 Mohammed M. Hussein M.RaoufEnglishY3 DanielThomasEnglishY4 Ameena S.M.JumaEnglishY5 ZeenathSheikhEnglishY6 Mohd AshrafThoker7EnglishY10.63475/yjm.v5i2.0333Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat in healthcare settings. Its resistance to major antifungal classes and ability to persist on surfaces and form biofilms make treatment and infection control particularly challenging. This growing resistance crisis underscores the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. This review analyzes existing literature on C. auris, focusing on its clinical impact, resistance mechanisms, and global spread. It further explores the antifungal potential of culinary spices by examining their bioactive components and mechanisms of action. Studies evaluating the in vitro antifungal activity of common spices were assessed, including their synergistic effects with conventional antifungals. Several culinary spices—such as turmeric, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger— exhibited antifungal activity against C. auris. Active compounds like curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, and thymol disrupted fungal membranes, inhibited biofilm formation, and enhanced the effects of standard antifungal drugs. These spices have demonstrated significant antifungal activity against C. auris, with reported minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 1 mg/ mL and growth inhibition rates of 60% to 80%. These natural products demonstrated low risk of resistance, broad antimicrobial activity, and potential safety advantages. Culinary spices rich in bioactive compounds offer promising antifungal properties against C. auris and may serve as affordable adjunct or alternative therapies. While pre-clinical data are encouraging, clinical validation is essential. Integrating these natural agents with conventional treatment may help combat the rising threat of antifungal resistance.EnglishCandida auris, antifungal resistance, culinary spices, treatment, bioactive compoundshttps://www.yemenjmed.com/admin/abstract?id=411References1619