Investigating the Antifungal Activity of Embelia ribes extracts Against Candida albicans: A Computational Approach

The emergence of antifungal resistance in Candida albicans necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic agents. This study evaluated the antifungal properties of Embelia ribes extracts using both in silico and in vitro approaches. Fresh and dry seeds were extracted using solvents of varying polarity and analyzed via GC-MS/MS. Results indicated that the fresh methanolic extract (FERM) exhibited superior antifungal activity with a zone of inhibition of 21.6 ± 0.5 mm, which was statistically equivalent to the positive control (Clotrimazole, 22.0 ± 1.0 mm). Bioactive profiling identified Piperine (24.07%) as the primary constituent in the most active extract. Molecular docking revealed that Piperine and Dipiperonylamine possess strong binding affinities for Cyclooxygenase-2 and Kappa-opioid receptors, suggesting a dual antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanism. Pharmacokinetic profiling (ADME/T) confirmed favourable drug-like properties, however, low CNS permeability limits their utility to the treatment of peripheral infections. These findings position E. ribes as a promising source for the development of novel antifungal drugs.