The inhibition of Candida species by selected essential oils and their synergism with amphotericin B

Phytomedicine. 2008 Aug;15(8):635-8. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.05.001. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

Abstract

In this work we highlight a possible synergistic anti-Candida effect between Melaleuca alternifolia, Origanum vulgare and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils and the antifungal compound Amphotericin B. The antifungal activity was assessed using the agar dilution method in eleven Candida strains. The results obtained indicate the occurrence of a synergistic interaction between the essential oils under study and Amphotericin B. P. graveolens essential oil appeared to be the most effective, inhibiting all the Candida species evaluated by this study.

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Candida / drug effects*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Pelargonium / chemistry*
  • Tea Tree Oil / chemistry
  • Tea Tree Oil / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • origanum oil
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Amphotericin B