Antifungal Potential of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L.) Against Rhizopus Azygosporus

An in-silico Approach to Combat Mucormycosis

Abstract

Rhizopus species are opportunistic fungal pathogens from the Mucorales order, commonly found in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments. While generally harmless, they can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals, leading to mucormycosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mucormycosis cases surged, particularly in India, due to immune suppression caused by diabetes (present in
66.1 % of cases) and widespread corticosteroid use (80.3 % of cases). Standard treatments include antifungal agents like Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, and Isavuconazole, along with surgical debridement. Mucorales exhibit resistance to many antifungals due to their unique cell wall composition, making azoles like itraconazole and voriconazole ineffective, while echinocandins show minimal activity. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. ), rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate against Rhizopus infections. This study employs molecular docking using iGEM Dock to evaluate the binding affinity of Seabuckthorn bioactive compounds against ergosterol biosynthesis in Rhizopus azygosporus, a major causative agent of mucormycosis. ADMET analysis is performed to assess the pharmacokinetic profiles of the compounds, ensuring their suitability for therapeutic applications. The present study identifies futuristic novel drug targets and efficient antifungal agents to effectively address mucormycosis.