LAUSR

Simple Summary Candida albicans can cause common mucosal and severe systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Current usage of antifungal drugs often leads to side effects and the development of drug-resistant strains. Cordyceps militaris, a parasitic fungus with various medicinal properties, is known for its immunomodulatory role. This study addresses the need for effective treatments against C. albicans infections by analyzing the inhibitory effects of C. militaris aqueous extract on C. albicans and its impact on the immune response in larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. C. militaris extract, at nontoxic concentrations, significantly prolonged the survival of larvae infected with a sublethal dose of C. albicans. Additionally, the extract boosted the immune response by increasing hemocyte count and upregulating genes responsible for producing antimicrobial peptides. These findings suggest that C. militaris extract can effectively modulate the immune system and provide protection against fungal infections. This research highlights the potential of C. militaris as a natural, safe, and effective treatment option for C. albicans infections. Therefore, the aqueous extract of C. militaris is contributing to the development of alternative medicines. In addition, the utilization of G. mellonella larvae in this study can reduce the reliance on mammalian models in medical research, benefiting both human health and scientific research.