Researchers develop synthetic curcumin molecule to combat fungal infections

Researchers from the University of Ribeirão Preto (Unaerp), in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan, have identified a synthetic molecule derived from curcumin that combats the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. This pathogen is the primary cause of superficial skin, hair, and nail infections globally.

The synthetic compound, identified as 2102, demonstrates a dual action by inhibiting the growth of the pathogen and controlling the body's inflammatory response. This is particularly significant because Trichophyton rubrum can cause invasive diseases in immunocompromised and diabetic individuals, potentially spreading to the bloodstream.

The study, coordinated by researcher Ana Lucia Fachin Saltoratto and supported by FAPESP, addresses challenges such as commercial antifungal resistance and the low bioavailability of natural curcumin. Laboratory tests indicated that the molecule was effective at lower concentrations and showed no toxicity in human macrophage cultures.