2-Acryloyl-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol: A Small Molecule Endowed with Antidermatophytic Activity

Background: Superficial fungal infections are the most common fungal diseases in humans, affecting more than 25% of the population worldwide. Methods: In the present study, we have investigated the activity of kakuol, a natural compound isolated from the rhizomes of Asarum sieboldii, and some analogues, against various dermatophytes and pharmacologically relevant yeasts. Results: One of the tested compounds, 2-acryloyl-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol, showed a broadspectrum activity against most of the fungal species assayed, resulting particularly effective against dermatophyte strains (MIC values in the range of 0.25-0.5 μg/mL, two/four-fold lower than the positive control miconazole). Conclusion: The results suggest that this molecule can be considered a promising starting point for the development of new antifungal compounds.