Terbinafine (CAS 91161-71-6)

Terbinafine is a compound with notable antifungal properties, extensively studied in various scientific research settings for its action mechanism against fungal organisms. The focus of research on terbinafine primarily revolves around its ability to inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is crucial in the sterol biosynthesis pathway in fungi. This inhibition disrupts the fungal cell membrane′s integrity and function, leading to the accumulation of toxic intermediates and ultimately causing cell death. Studies utilizing terbinafine have delved into the kinetics of enzyme inhibition, exploring how the compound interacts at the molecular level with squalene epoxidase. Research employing techniques such as crystallography and molecular docking has provided insights into the binding affinity and the structural basis of the inhibition, highlighting the specific interactions that disrupt the enzyme′s activity. Additionally, terbinafine′s impact on fungal cell metabolism and membrane composition has been a subject of biochemical investigations. These studies often use spectroscopic methods to analyze changes in cell membrane components, helping to explain the broader impacts of enzyme inhibition on cell viability.