Phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of Satureja hortensis and Zataria multiflora essential oils

Over the last few decades, the rising incidence of fungal infections has become a significant and growing threat to healthcare systems worldwide. Candida species, particularly C. albicans, and C. tropicalis, constitute zoonotic, opportunistic pathogens transmissible from animals to humans, potentially driving the emergence of novel infectious diseases and underscoring the urgent need for innovative antifungal agents, and treatment strategies. This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal effects of two natural products, Satureja hortensis and Zataria multiflora essential oils, against four pathogenic fungal microorganisms: Candida species, including C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis, as well as Penicillium chrysogenum. The extraction of essential oils (EOs) was performed using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of S. hortensis EO were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Finally, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of S. hortensis and Z. multiflora, the broth microdilution method was employed. Findings from this investigation demonstrated that the main compound of S. hortensis was Thymol (۳۶.۵۱%). The MIC range was from ۰.۰۳۹ - ۰.۱۵۶ µL/mL for Z. multiflora and from ۰.۰۱۹ - ۰.۳۱۲ µL/mL for S. hortensis Bioss. Corresponding MFC values ranged from ۰.۰۳۹- ۰.۶۲۵ µL/mL for S. hortensis, and ۰.۰۷۸- ۱.۲۵ µL/mL for Z. multiflora Boiss. These results suggest that the studied EOs may represent promising candidates for the development of new agents to treat cutaneous and mucosal Candida infections.