Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the EO and its major components of Ocimum basilicum var. Maria Bonita, a genetically improved cultivar, against the fluconazole sensitive and resistant strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Geraniol presented better results than the EO, with a low MIC (76 μg/mL against C. neoformans and 152 μg/mL against both Candida strains). The combination of EO, linalool, or geraniol with fluconazole enhanced their antifungal activity, especially against the resistant strain (MIC reduced to 156, 197, and 38 μg/mL, resp.). The ergosterol assay showed that subinhibitory concentrations of the substances were able to reduce the amount of sterol extracted. The substances tested were able to reduce the capsule size which suggests they have an important mechanism of action. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated cell wall destruction of C. neoformans after treatment with subinhibitory concentrations. In C. albicans ultrastructure alterations such as irregularities in the membrane, presence of vesicles, and cell wall thickening were observed. The biofilm formation was inhibited in both C. albicans strains at MIC and twice MIC. These results provide further support for the use of O. basilicum EO and its major components as a potential source of antifungal agents.
Highlights
Candidiasis is a fungal disease that affects a large number of individuals
The chemical composition of the Essential oils (EOs) was analyzed by a GC-MS and previously published by Da Costa et al [24] and linalool was identified as the major component of the EO (75.22%), followed by geraniol (14.66%)
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values found for the EO against C. neoformans, C. albicans sensitive, and C. albicans resistant strain were similar (1250 μg/mL)
Summary
Candidiasis is a fungal disease that affects a large number of individuals. Skin or mucous membranes are the most common sites of infection, especially the mouth and vagina [1]. The disease may evolve from a superficial infection to systemic infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals [2, 3]. The most frequent etiological agent of candidiasis is Candida albicans. This pathogen is an opportunistic fungus able to form biofilms, which are of major clinical concern. Fungi communities structured in extracellular polysaccharide matrices possess increased resistance to antifungal therapy [3, 4]
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