Atividade antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de sassafrás (Ocotea odorifera Vell.) e alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) sobre o gênero Candida

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils from Ocotea odorifera Vell. (Brazilian sassafras) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) against Candida albicans and C. tropicalis strains, both involved in oral cavity infections. Thus, 16 Candida strains from clinical origin and standards were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using the microdilution technique. Miconazole and nystatin were used as positive controls. A slight antifungal activity was observed for both oils, with 2.5 mg mL -1 MIC for Brazilian sassafras and 5 mg mL -1 MIC for rosemary in 68 and 81% strains, respectively. All Candida strains were sensitive to miconazole and nystatin. In conclusion, essential oils from O. odorifera Vell. and R. officinalis L. had weak activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains involved in oral cavity infections.