EXPLORING ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF ESSENTIAL COMPOUNDS IN FISH OILS FOR TREATING SKIN INFECTIONS

Skin fungal infections are a significant global public health concern due to growing resistance to traditional antifungal treatments. This study explores the fungicidal properties of key components in fish oils and their potential use in treating cutaneous fungal diseases. Fish oils contain bioactive substances like omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamins, sterols, and antioxidants, which can combat fungal diseases by compromising cell membrane integrity, inhibiting fungal enzymes, influencing host immune responses, and interfering with fungal signaling pathways. Studies have shown that fish oil-derived chemicals are effective against fungal species linked to skin diseases, such as Candida spp., Malassezia spp., and dermatophytes. Preclinical investigations have shown that fish oil-derived molecules have medicinal potential. Topical formulations containing fish oil extracts have been shown to relieve fungal skin infections symptoms, facilitate healing, and have minimal negative effects. Combining fish oil with other natural antifungal substances, such as essential oils, plant extracts, and antimicrobial peptides, could create innovative treatment tactics for stubborn fungal infections, especially those produced by strains resistant to multiple drugs.