Anti-planktonic and anti-biofilm formation activities of the essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract of Myrtus communis L. leaves and fruits against clinical Candida species

Background:Because of the increasing prevalence of fungal infections and antifungal resistance, researchers are seeking new antifungal medications and alternatives. This study aimed to assess the antifungal properties of Myrtus communis L. essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract on Candida species isolated from clinical specimens. Methods: A total of 65 Candida species isolated from clinical samples were evaluated in this study. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Besides, the antifungal activity and biofilm activity of M. communis against Candida isolates was compared with that of fluconazole Results: A total of 22 compounds, displaying 99.88% of the Myrtus Communis leaves OE, were identified and the major components were found to be α-pinene (51.22%), eucalyptol (16.88%), linalool (15.92%), and linalool acetate (4.03%). The main components of fruit EO were nonadecane (44.00%), heneicosane (19.60%), α-pinene (12.80%), and eucalyptol (10.08%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the hydroalcoholic extract of M. communis was lower against C. parapsilosis compared to C. albicans and C. glabrata. Biofilm formation in different Candida strains was inhibited at M. communis essential oil concentrations of 2.5-0.0156 µl/mL. Conclusion: According to most recent studies, the essential oil of M. communis can be used as a novel option for the development of new antifungal agents. In the present study, M. communis exhibited considerable antifungal effects against Candida species. Also, the inhibitory effect of M. communis essential oil against C. albicans biofilm formation was higher than that of fluconazole.