Antifungal Effect of 7-hydroxycitronellal against Candida albicans Strains

Monoterpenes, the main constituents of essential oils, are associated with antifungal, analgesic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and gastroprotective activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effects of the monoterpene 7-hydroxycitronellal against five Candida albicans strains using microdilution method. All the strains were obtained from the Laboratory of Mycology collection. Nistatin (100 UI/mL) was used as the standard drug. The monoterpene showed strong antifungal activity with MIC50 and MFC50 values of 256 and 512 µg/mL respectively. The results showed fungicidal potential of 7-hydroxycitronellal against C. albicans strains.