Natural compounds to treat oral infections in HIV patients
Official title: Natural Phenolic Compounds against Oral Candidiasis (OC)
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-10836931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well natural compounds called caffeic acid phenethyl ester and ellagic acid can help treat oral candidiasis, a common infection for people living with HIV, to find safer and more effective options than current antifungal treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $416,396 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181635-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing oral candidiasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those without oral candidiasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of natural phenolic compounds, specifically caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and ellagic acid (EA), in treating oral candidiasis, a common infection in individuals living with HIV. The study aims to address the limitations of current antifungal treatments, which often fail due to drug resistance and side effects. By exploring the antimicrobial properties of these compounds, the research seeks to provide a safer and more effective alternative for patients suffering from this condition. The approach includes testing these compounds in laboratory models and assessing their impact on fungal growth and biofilm formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for oral candidiasis that are less likely to encounter resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using natural compounds for antifungal treatment, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mylonakis, Eleftherios — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mylonakis, Eleftherios
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.