Antifungal activity of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf against yeasts of the genus Candida sp.

• Autor(a) principal: Paiva, Luiz Francisley de
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Outros Autores: Domingues, Sabrina de Alvarenga
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista Fitos
• Texto Completo: https://revistafitos.far.fiocruz.br/index.php/revista-fitos/article/view/958
• topic: Medicinal plants; phytotherapy; Cymbopogon.; Candida sp; Plantas medicinais; Fitoterapia; Cymbopogon; Candida sp

Candida sp. is a genus of yeast that is part of the microbiota of the human body and of animals. It is considered the main group of opportunistic pathogenic fungi. The use of medicinal plants is increasingly used in the various areas. The Cymbopogon citratus (DC) plant. Stapf is popularly known in Brazil for Capim-cheiroso, Capim-cidreira, Capim-santo, Lemongrass, Capim-cidró, Capim-cidrão. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus against yeasts of the genus Candida sp. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves by the steam-drag method. The antifungal activity was verified by disc diffusion techniques, minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal lethal concentration. Standard strains ATCC of Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida Krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida utilis were used. The essential oil showed antifungal activity against all species. The inhibition range ranges from 0.281 µg/mL to 1.125 µg/mL and lethal concentration ranges from 0.562 µg/mL to 1.125 µg/mL. These findings contribute to the future use of the C. citratus plant as a herbal remedy in preventive or alternative treatment against fungal infections.