Anti-dermatophyte activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against dermatophytes

Abstract

Background Pelargonium graveolens as valuable aromatic plant is used for extracting the essential oil, which their biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects have been confirmed. Methods In this study, the anti-dermatophyte effects of nine P. graveolens essential oils were confirmed against Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. schoenleinii by mycelium growth inhibition percent and micro-broth dilution assays. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by GC and GC-MS. Results The main components of P. graveolens essential oils and their percentages changed from one sample to others. The highest growth inhibition percent and the lowest MIC values of P. graveolens essential oils for dermatophytes were for E.sub.20 with 95% geraniol content, followed by E.sub.4 and E.sub.14 with highest amounts of geraniol (21%) and citronellol (30-35%) contents. Conclusion Therefore, the use of P. graveolens essential oils with high geraniol and citronellol is recommended for dermatophytes. Animal models studies of dermatophytes are required to confirm the efficacy and application of P. graveolens essential oils in human studies.