The synthesis and synergistic antifungal effects of chalcones against drug resistant Candida albicans

Abstract To identify effective and low toxicity synergistic antifungal compounds, 24 derivatives of chalcone were synthesized to restore the effectiveness of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans . The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC 80 ) and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of the antifungal synergist fluconazole were measured against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans . This was done via methods established by the clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI). Of the synthesized compounds, 2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxychalcone ( 8 ) exhibited the most potent in vitro (FICI = 0.007) effects. The structure activity relationship of the compounds are then discussed.