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Evaluation of Mentha piperita Essential Oil and its Major Constituents for Antifungal Activity in Candida spp

Neha Samber , Ajit Varma , Nikhat Manzoor

The composition and antifungal activity of the Mentha piperita essential oil was studied after GC-MS analysis. Mint EO showed a high content of Menthol, Carvone and Menthone, the antifungal activity of which was determined against C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. The average MIC of Mint EO, Carvone and Menthol was 225μg/ml, 248μg/ml and 500μg/ml, respectively. The MFC values of the oil components were twice that of their MICs except the oil. At sub MIC values, Cells showed delayed and suppressed exponential phase of growth. At MIC, cell growth was completely terminated and clear zones of inhibition were observed on agar plates in all cases. Secretion of hydrolytic enzymes and yeast to hyphal transition was studied as virulence factors. These compounds showed very low hemolysis in comparison to fluconazole. The present study indicates that Mint EO and constituents significantly inhibit the virulence of Candida in susceptible and resistant strains.