Artemisinin elevates ergosterol levels of Candida albicans to synergise with amphotericin B against oral candidiasis

•Artemisinin (Art) synergised with amphotericin B (AmB) against Candida albicans clinical isolates.•Art upregulated ergosterol biosynthesis and the ergosterol content of Candida cells.•Art increased binding between fungal cells and the polyene AmB.•Art synergised with AmB against oral candidiasis in mice.