The antifungal effects and mechanisms of Styraxjaponoside C were investigated. Styraxjaponoside C was active against several human pathogens, including Candida albicans. Styraxjaponoside C induced a series of cellular changes characteristic of apoptosis in C. albicans, including increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, measured by DHR-123 staining; phosphatidylserine externalization, visualized by Annexin V staining: DNA fragmentation, as seen by TUNEL; and plasma membrane depolarization, observed by DiBAC(4)(3) staining. The plasma membrane depolarization is likely to be associated with production of ROS. The current study suggests that Styraxjaponoside C exerts an antifungal effect by promoting apoptosis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.