SCREENING OF ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS ON CANDIDA ALBICANS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum (basil), Cymbopogon martinii(palmarosa), Cyperus articulatus (piprioca), Thymus vulgaris (thyme) and Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon china) on Candida albicans strains. Material and Methods: Eight strains of C. albicans isolated from HIV-positive patients (provided by the Mycology Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba) and one pattern strain (ATCC7648) were selected for this study. The antifungal activity was evaluated by the Diffusion Technique on agar Saburaud-Dextrose, using fungal suspensions prepared in saline solution 0.9% (106CFU/mL). Paper discs (6mm) were soaked with 20μL of essential oils and fixed on the agar medium. The incubation was in bacteriological incubator at 37ºC for 48h. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the measurement of inhibition zones. Miconazole (50μg/mL) was used as positive control. Results: The values of inhibitions zones produced by the essential oils from O. basilicum, C. martinii, T. vulgaris and C. cassia against the clinical and pattern strains of C. albicans ranged between 27 and 30mm, while the miconazole ranged between 8 and 10mm. Conclusions: In exception of the essential oil from C. articulates, all products tested have showed antifungal activity against the assessed strains of C. albicans. DESCRIPTORS Candida Albicans. Candidiasis. Biological products.