Activity anti-Candida albicans and Effects of the Association of beta-citronellol with Three Antifungal Azolics

Candida albicans is the main yeast agent provider opportunistic fungal infections in healthy and immunocompromised humans. This work evaluated the antifungal potential of the monoterpene beta-citronellol (3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol) against twelve C. albicans strains as well as the effects of its association with three azoles. beta-citronellol showed a MIC50% of 128 mu g/mL being established as strong antifungal activity and MFC50% de 256 mu g/mL. High resistance rate against itraconazole (91,67%) and fluconazole (75%) was exhibited by the yeasts while it was sensitive to miconazole (66,67% of the yeasts showed growth inhibition). Synergism was prevailing on the association tests with all three azoles (66,67% for both fluconazole and itraconazole and 83,33% for miconazole). Association with the monoterpene also decreased the yeast's resistance angainst the azoles. beta-citronellol showed activity against C. albicans strains, displaying optimum fungicidal potential and good interfering effect, which allows it to be considered a candidate for the development of new antifungal formulations.