Abstract
The composition of the essential oil (EO) of Thapsia villosa (Apiaceae), isolated by hydrodistillation from the plant’s aerial parts, was analysed by GC and GC-MS. Antifungal activity of the EO and its main components, limonene (57.5%) and methyleugenol (35.9%), were evaluated against clinically relevant yeasts (Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans and Malassezia furfur) and moulds (Aspergillus spp. and dermatophytes). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured according to the broth macrodilution protocols by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The EO, limonene and methyleugenol displayed low MIC and MFC (minimum fungicidal concentration) values against Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, dermatophytes, and Aspergillus spp. Regarding Candida species, an inhibition of yeast–mycelium transition was demonstrated at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the EO (MIC/128; 0.01 μL/mL) and their major compounds in Candida albicans. Fluconazole does not show this activity, and the combination with low concentrations of EO could associate a supplementary target for the antifungal activity. The association of fluconazole with T. villosa oil does not show antagonism, but the combination limonene/fluconazole displays synergism. The fungistatic and fungicidal activities revealed by T. villosa EO and its main compounds, associated with their low haemolytic activity, confirm their potential antimicrobial interest against fungal species often associated with human mycoses.
Highlights
IntroductionApproximately 3000 plant species contain volatile oils, from which only about 100 taxa are used for essential oil production worldwide [1]
According to several authors, approximately 3000 plant species contain volatile oils, from which only about 100 taxa are used for essential oil production worldwide [1]
The oils were analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and the qualitative and quantitative compositions are presented in Table 1, where compounds are listed in order of their elution on a SPB-1 column
Summary
Approximately 3000 plant species contain volatile oils, from which only about 100 taxa are used for essential oil production worldwide [1]. Essential oils and some of their constituents (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids) are commercially relevant as perfume, cosmetic, cleaning, food, and pharmaceutical products [2]. The complexity of the composition of most essential oils, and the variety of chemical structures of their compounds, are responsible of a wide range of biological activities, with interest in the fields of human and animal health [3]. Many essential oils and their constituents have traditionally been used for their antifungal and antibacterial activities, which have long been recognized. Fungal infections are presently considered as an important health problem around the world, and have increased intensely during the last years, due to the immunocompromised patient number.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
