ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS ESSENTIAL OIL ON GROWTH KINETICS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS AND CANDIDA TROPICALIS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) on the growth kinetics of Candida albicans (ATCC289065) and C. tropicalis (ATCC40042). Methods: Into sterile glass tubes were inserted 1.8 mL of Sabouraud-Dextrose broth, 0.2 mL of antifungal suspensions (1.5 x 106 UFC/mL) and 2 mL of the dilution of R. officinalis essential oil at 2% and 1%. Posteriorly, 10μL of the test solutions were sowed on plates at the times: zero, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. After incubation at 37 ° C for 24 hours, the counting of CFU/mL for each sample was determined. Sodium hypochlorite solution at 0.5% and antimicrobial-free culture media were used as controls. Results: Upon C. albicans and C. tropicalis, R. officinalis intensified microbial death curve at 30 minutes (<3.5 x 104 CFU/mL) and 120 minutes (<9 x 104 CFU/mL), respectively. On C. albicans, statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found between growth control and total CFU/mL promoted by the test products. Against C. tropicalis, a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was verified between the effect caused by R. officinalis and the total CFU/mL of growth control and sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion: It was concluded that Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil showed antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis, and better effects were observed in a longer contact time. DESCRIPTORES: Microbiology. Rosmarinus officinalis. Candida.