PLANT-DERIVED ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS IN CANINE OTITIS EXTERNA: EMERGING MOLECULAR PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Canine otitis externa (COE) continues to be one of the most common dermatological diseases of companion animals and is facing increasing therapeutic challenges posed by the increasing resistance of antifungal-resistant microbes to existing treatments. Fungicides, especially the azole compounds that are widely used today, are losing efficacy against adaptive resistance mechanisms such as modification of ergosterol synthesis, over-expression of the efflux pumps, and formation of biofilms and their survival. Because of these developments, there is an urgent need to develop new viable and durable drug options. Natural compounds from plants, owing to their myriad phytochemicals and multiple mechanisms, offer some potential therapeutic alternatives that could circumvent the flaws in the contemporary fungicide regimens. Herein, the therapeutic value of Coleus amboinicus and Kalanchoe pinnata is assessed, and C. Amboinicus and K. Pinnata may represent a natural alternative antifungal resource. Furthermore, existing findings regarding their plant chemical constitutions and antimicrobial activity are evaluated along with potential molecular targets. Current limitations in research are critically analyzed, while the potential of bridging plant-derived natural compounds, their chemistry, and molecular targets by applying new knowledge using multidisciplinary research, spanning plant chemistry, molecular pharmacology, veterinary pathology, and infectious disease. Furthermore, the concept of a One Health-based therapeutic framework needs to consider the use of well-chosen, evidence-based natural alternative therapies to successfully treat fungal-derived COE in our companion animals.