Advances in Pharmaceutical Processing and Particle Engineering of Garlic Extract-Based Formulations for Antifungal Therapy Against Candida tropicalis

The increasing resistance of Candida tropicalis to conventional antifungal agents has necessitated the development of effective, biocompatible alternatives derived from natural sources. Garlic (Allium sativum), known for its potent antimicrobial activity, contains 33 bioactive sulfur compounds, some of them being allicin, ajoene, and diallyl sulfides, which exhibit strong antifungal effects. However, the clinical application of garlic extract in pharmaceutical formulations remains limited due to its chemical instability, rapid degradation, and limited bioavailability. This review highlights recent advancements in pharmaceutical processing and particle engineering approaches to enhance the stability, delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of garlic extract-based antifungal formulations. Emphasis is placed on innovative strategies such as nanoencapsulation, lyophilization, spray drying, and incorporation into biocompatible hydrogels for targeted delivery. Special attention is given to hydrogel-based systems due to their excellent mucoadhesive properties, ease of application, and sustained release potential, making them ideal for treating localized Candida tropicalis infections. This review also discusses formulation challenges and in vitro evaluation parameters, including minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and biofilm inhibition. By analyzing recent findings and technological trends, this review underscores the potential of garlic extract-based particle-engineered systems as sustainable and effective antifungal therapies. The scope of this review includes an in-depth evaluation of garlic extract-derived formulations, the application of particle processing technologies, and their translational potential in the design of next-generation antifungal delivery systems for managing Candida tropicalis infections.