In vitro activity of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) oil against clinical isolates of dermatophytes.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Recently, bergamot oil was shown to be a potent antifungal agent in vitro against clinically important Candida species. In this study, the activities of bergamot natural essence and its furocoumarin-free and distilled extracts on dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species were investigated.

METHODS:

In vitro susceptibility testing assays on 92 clinical isolates of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes n = 20, Trichophyton rubrum n = 18, Trichophyton interdigitale n = 15, Trichophyton tonsurans n = 2, Microsporum canis n = 24, Microsporum gypseum n = 1 and Epidermophyton floccosum n = 12) were performed using the CLSI M38-A broth microdilution method, except for employing an inoculum of 1-3 x 10(3) cfu/mL. MICs were determined at a visual endpoint reading of 80% inhibition compared with the growth control.

RESULTS:

MICs (v/v) of all fungi ranged from 0.156% to 2.5% for the natural essence, from 0.02% to 2.5% for the distilled extract, and from 0.08% to 1.25% for the furocoumarin-free extract. The three isolates of T. tonsurans and M. gypseum exhibited the highest MIC values.

CONCLUSIONS:

Data from this study indicate that bergamot oil is active in vitro against several common species of dermatophytes, suggesting its potential use for topical treatment of dermatophytoses.

• Authors: M Sanguinetti, B Posteraro, L Romano, F Battaglia, T Lopizzo, E De Carolis, G Fadda
• Journal: The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy (J Antimicrob Chemother) Vol. 59 Issue 2 Pg. 305-8 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 0305-7453 [Print] England
• PMID: 17118937 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents
• Plant Oils
• bergamot oil

Topics

• Antifungal Agents (pharmacology)
• Arthrodermataceae (drug effects, growth & development, isolation & purification)
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Plant Oils (pharmacology)