Essential oil composition of Mentha spp. extracted seasonally and their effects against Candida yeast growth and biofilm formation

Abstract

Studies with essential oil of Mentha spp. in the literature have shown potential antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity, biofilm inhibition and disruption of Candida spp., and cytotoxic activity of essential oils from Mentha spp. extracted seasonally. The essential oils of Mentha spp. (Mentha aquatica, Mentha arvensis and Mentha piperita) were extracted monthly over a year, followed by the analysis of gas chromatography. The oils were tested against Candida spp. for obtainment of minimal inhibitory concentration determined by the broth microdilution test (MIC). The biofilm formation and mature biofilm were measured by a spectrophotometer of microplates after exposure to XTT. The cytotoxic activity was determined by the antiproliferative activity test of HaCat cells and analyzed by IC 50%. The Mentha spp. oils, harvested from April to September, showed growth inhibition in planktonic cells of Candida spp. at 2 mg/ml. Compounds of higher production in this period were: dihydrocarveol and carvotanacetone (Mentha aquatica); menthol (Mentha arvensis); menthofuran and menthyl acetate (Mentha piperita). EOs from the three species of Mentha were able to inhibit the formation of biofilm by C. albicans MYA 2876 and to deconstruct mature biofilm (24 h). All tested concentrations (initial 2 mg.ml^-1) showed IC 50% below or equal to 50% for HaCat cell lineage. The antifungal activity and detection of essential oil components by Mentha spp. were related to seasonal weather conditions. The essential oil of Mentha spp. is a potential biofilm inhibitor for C. albicans, and exhibits low cytotoxicity in HaCat cells.

Keywords: Mentha spp., medicinal plants, antifungal activity.