Chemical Composition and Antifungal and Antibiofilm Effects of Vitex pseudo-negundo Essential Oil against Pathogenic Fungal Strains

BACKGROUND: Vitex pseudo-negundo is a plant of the Lamiaceae family that grows in different parts of the world and the vicinity of seasonal rivers in Iran. METHODS: The chemical composition of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils was distilled and evaluated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antifungal activity of the essential oils against the fungal strains was analyzed by broth microdilution methods as suggested by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils was assessed using the XTT reduction assay. RESULTS: Based on GC/MS analysis, the major components of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils were α-pinene, α-terpinyl acetate, limonene, and (E)-caryophyllene. The growth of tested yeasts was inhibited at concentrations ranging from 2 to 64 μl/mL. Vitex pseudo-negundo fruit essential oil was the most effective in inhibiting yeast growth. Moreover, the essential oils exhibited antifungal activity against filamentous fungi strains. Additionally, the biofilm formation of Candida albicans was inhibited by the leaf, flower, and fruit of the essential oils. CONCLUSION: Considering the significant antifungal activities of these essential oils, they can be considered a potential source for formulating novel agents to control fungal infections.