<i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> inhibitory effects of the Sanghuang mushroom extracts against <i>Candida albicans</i>

<b>Aim:</b> To explore the antifungal potential of Sanghuang mushroom, a traditional Chinese medicine. <b>Materials &amp; methods:</b> The antifungal properties and the potential mechanism of Sanghuang mushroom extracts against <i>Candida albicans</i> were studied <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. <b>Results:</b> Sanghuang mushroom extracts inhibited the biofilm formation, increased the cell membrane permeability and promoted cell apoptosis of <i>C. albicans in vitro</i>. In a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, Sanghuang mushroom extracts reduced the vaginal fungal load, improved inflammatory cell infiltration and downregulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Untargeted metabolomic analysis suggested the presence of ten antifungal components in Sanghuang mushroom extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> Sanghuang mushroom extracts showed promise as antifungal agent against candidiasis, with potential therapeutic implications. Sanghuang mushroom extracts exhibit potent antifungal properties against <i>C. albicans</i>. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the impact of Sanghuang mushroom extracts on biofilm architecture. A murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) confirms the ability of Sanghuang mushroom extracts to suppress <i>C. albicans</i> infiltration. Flow cytometry data illustrate the induction of reactive oxygen species and promotion of apoptosis in <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm cells. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identifies potential bioactive compounds contributing to the antifungal effects. Sanghuang mushroom extracts emerge as promising candidates for the development of novel antifungal therapies.**研究目的**：探索作为传统中药材的桑黄的抗真菌潜力。 **材料与方法**：针对白色念珠菌（*Candida albicans*）的桑黄提取物抗真菌活性及其潜在作用机制，分别通过体外（*in vitro*）和体内（*in vivo*）实验开展研究。 **研究结果**：体外实验中，桑黄提取物可抑制白色念珠菌的生物膜形成，提高其细胞膜通透性，并促进其细胞凋亡。在外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病（*vulvovaginal candidiasis*）小鼠模型中，桑黄提取物可降低阴道真菌负荷，改善炎症细胞浸润情况，并下调肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）及白细胞介素-6（IL-6）的表达水平。非靶向代谢组学分析显示，桑黄提取物中存在10种抗真菌活性成分。 **结论**：桑黄提取物作为抗真菌制剂用于假丝酵母菌病治疗具有良好应用前景，具备潜在治疗价值。桑黄提取物对白色念珠菌表现出强效抗真菌活性。扫描电子显微镜（*Scanning electron microscopy*）结果显示，桑黄提取物可影响白色念珠菌的生物膜结构。外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病（VVC）小鼠模型证实，桑黄提取物可抑制白色念珠菌的定植浸润。流式细胞术（*Flow cytometry*）数据显示，桑黄提取物可诱导白色念珠菌生物膜细胞产生活性氧，并促进其凋亡。非靶向代谢组学分析鉴定出了多种参与抗真菌作用的潜在活性成分。桑黄提取物有望成为新型抗真菌治疗药物的开发候选对象。