Anti-Candida Activity and Chemical Composition of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume Essential Oil

The purpose of this study was to identify the anti-Candida activity and chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon). For this, tests were conducted to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the action of C. zeylanicum EO on fungal cell wall of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and C. krusei strains. The composition of the was analysed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Significant antifungal activity of the EO was observed on the strains tested, with 87.5% and 62.5% of them sensitive, respectively at a MIC of 312.5 mu g/mL and MFC of 2500 mu g/mL. In the presence of sorbitol, the MIC was 625 mu g/mL against all the strains, showing a possible action of the EO on fungal cell wall. Eugenol (73.27%) and trans-beta-caryophyllene (5.38%) were found in higher concentrations. The results indicated anti-Candida activity of the EO analyzed and suggested that it occurred due to the action on fungal cell wall.