## 3 Discussion
### Antifungal Activity  
To evaluate the MIC for _C. albicans_, _C. tropicalis_, and _C. glabrata_, a non-parametric data analysis was conducted, and the results indicated a significant difference (_p_ = 0.00073) among the MIC across different samples.  
This aligns with previous studies, such as the investigation on _Hetetropters aphrodisiaca_ (Malpighiaceae) root extracts, which demonstrated stronger antifungal activity against _Candidia_ species with MIC values 125 to 250 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\) (_C. albicans_, _C. parapsilosis_, _C. krusei_, _C. tropicalis_) than antibacterial activity against _S. aureus_ where the minimal bactericidal concentration was between 250 and 500 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\)[49].  
Similarly, the aqueous leaf extracts of _B. anisandra_ showed strong antifungal activity, particularly against _C. tropicalis_, with MIC values of 62.50 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\) outperforming the standard antifungal agent fluconazole which exhibited a MIC \(>\) 64 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\)[50]. Additionally, _C. albicans_ displayed sensitivity to this plant's extract in dilution tests [44].  
Further studies involving the ethyl acetate fraction of _B. argyrophylla_ indicated significant antifungal activity attributed to catechins, particularly against _C. glabrata_, with MIC values as low as 2.83 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\). Other fractions containing quercetin and kaempfer demonstrated inhibitory activity against _C. albicans_, _C. glabrata_, and _C. tropicalis_, with MIC values ranging from 5.86 to 46.87 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\)[25].  
For the extracts and fractions of _B. laevifolia_, the ethanolic extract exhibited strong antifungal activity against _Candidia_ species, with MIC values ranging from 31 to 63 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\). The n-butanol fraction showed moderate to strong activity (MIC ranging from 94 to 375 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\)), while the ethyl acetate fraction also exhibited strong activity (MIC ranging from 188 to 375 \(\upmu\)g.mL\({}^{-1}\)) [24], likely due to the presence of metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins.  
Promising results were also obtained using hydroalcoholic extracts of _Byrsonima crassifolia_ leaves as a therapeutic alternative for fungal infections. Recently, a topical cream with antifungal properties against _C. parapysilosis_ (MIC of 1 mg.mL\({}^{-1}\)) was developed [51].  
The strong antifungal activity observed, particularly in the ethyl acetate fraction, may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins, which are known to interfere with fungal cell wall synthesis, disrupt membrane integrity, and inhibit key enzymes involved in fungal metabolism [8; 52]. This could suggest a mechanism of action similar to existing antifungal agents, such as azoles, which target ergosterol synthesis in fungal membranes [53]. However, compared to standard treatments like fluconazole, the observed MIC values indicate a potent antifungal effect, possibly offering an alternative with fewer side effects or resistance issues [49]. Further investigation into the specific interactions of these bioactive compounds with fungal targets could enhance understanding of their therapeutic potential and support the development of plant-based antifungal treatments [4; 52].