Exploring the Potent Antifungal Activity of Mazuj and Ghalghaf Gall Extracts Against Three Candida Species and Conducting Compositional and Characterization Analysis of their Extracts Using HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS

The development of novel antifungal agents has become increasingly crucial according to the antifungal resistance of Candida species. Using natural product compounds as alternatives to conventional drugs is being explored to advance a more effective treatment for C. infections. This study aims to determine biological activity and the chemical compound characterization of the aqueous and acetonic extracts obtained from Mazuj and Ghalghaf galls of Quercus infectoria. After the galls extraction, the extracts’ antifungal properties were investigated using an agar well diffusion method and concentrations of minimum fungicidal (MFCs) and minimum inhibitory (MICs). We utilized the ABTS and MTT methods to determine gall extracts’ antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. Additionally, we identified the chemical compounds present in the extracts using LC-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD. The study results showed that both acetonic and aqueous extracts of Ghalghaf and Mazuj galls were efficient against species of three fungi species such as C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei, and in particular, the acetonic Mazuj extract demonstrated the highest effectiveness as an antifungal. Furthermore, the Mazuj extract exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics and the most increased antioxidant activity. Moreover, LC-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD analysis indicated the presence of various phenolic compounds in the extracts, including gallic acid, methyl gallate, and ellagic acid. Overall, the study’s findings suggest that Mazuj and Ghalghaf galls demonstrate promising antifungal and antioxidant properties, where these compounds could potentially be used to develop natural and safe antifungal agents.