Antifungal activity of monoterpenes against the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

The antifungal activity of 20 monoterpenes, currently found as main compounds in many essential oils, were evaluated against the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC), and the time/dosage effect of selected monoterpenes were determined. The results showed that oxygenated monoterpenes exhibited higher fungistatic and fungicidal activity than hydrocarbons. Among oxygenated monoterpenes, the more effectives were citral, geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal, with MIC and MFC values between 0.64 and 3.68 mM, and 1.56 and 6.25 mM, respectively. Time response experiments showed that the selected monoterpenes rapidly reduce yeast cell viability in a time and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the reduction of viability was associated with loss of cell membrane integrity. These results may aid in the selection of essential oils for the control of undesirable yeasts or fungi, and serve as a basis for the study of chemical structure influence on the mode of action of monoterpenes. Novelty impact statement Oxygenated monoterpenes have more fungicidal activity against S. cerevisiae. Citral, citronellol, citronellal, and geraniol were the most efficient monoterpenes. Monoterpenes' fungicidal activity is involved with cell membrane damages.