Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part C (2025)

Fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida species, are a growing headache in healthcare—stubborn, sneaky, and increasingly resistant to the drugs we throw at them. Catharanthus roseus, that little Madagascar periwinkle with its delicate flowers, might just hold some answers. This study digs into how its antifungal chops stack up against various Candida strains—like C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis—and whether those powers have evolved over time or differ across plant populations. We tested leaf extracts, tinkered with their concentrations, and pitted them against these fungi in the lab, measuring things like inhibition zones and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The results? Pretty impressive—C. roseus showed solid antifungal activity, with some strains more vulnerable than others, and hints that where the plant grows might tweak its punch. It’s not just about today, though; we also peeked into how this activity might have shifted historically, suggesting nature’s been fine-tuning this plant’s defenses. This could mean a fresh, green way to tackle Candida infections, especially as resistance keeps creeping up. Here’s what we found, why it matters, and where we think it’s headed.