Oxygenated monoterpenes-rich volatile oils as potential antifungal agents for dermatophytes

Abstract

<p>Essential oils (EOs) extracted from <i>Lavandula luisieri</i> and <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> were tested for their antifungal activity against ten clinical isolates of dermatophytes isolated from cases of tinea pedis. Inhibition of conidial germination and antifungal drug/EO combination assay were tested on two ATCC reference strains of <i>Trichophyton rubrum</i> and <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i>. EOs were characterised by high amount of oxygenated monoterpenes in their composition. Strong antifungal activity was observed for the majority of clinical strains, and fungicidal activity was demonstrated. Positive interaction between <i>L. luisieri</i> EO combined with terbinafine was observed against terbinafine-resistant strain (<i>Tr</i> ATCC MYA-4438). Significative reduction of the germination was observed above 100 μg mL⁻¹. Both oils were safe to macrophage mammalian cells at tested concentration. This study describes the antifungal activity of <i>L. luisieri</i> and <i>C. citratus</i> EOs against dermatophytes, which could be useful in designing new formulations for topical treatments.</p