Abstract

The operation of terpenoids that comprise essential oils forms a group of natural compounds with the greatest potential for developing products for disease control. In the study, the monoterpene (S)-(-)-citronellal was evaluated for its antifungal effects. In the methodology five Candida albicans strains and five Candida tropicalis strains were used in the study for activities. All the microorganism strains were obtained from the Laboratory of Mycology collection. The Microdilution method was used for antifungal assay of the monoterpene. The Nistatin (100 UI/mL) was the standard drug. The results showed that the monoterpene presented MIC50 and MFC50 the values of 256 µg/mL, and 512 µg/mL, respectively for both species of fungi. The obtained results showed activity fungicid against both fungi strains.

Key words: Terpenoids; Antifungal; Candida tropicalis; Candida albicans