Method: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined by microdilution technique in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) culture medium, utilizing 96-well microplates and sowing on Petri dishes, respectively. Into each well were inserted 100 µL of SBD doubly concentrated, 100 µL of the tested substances and 10 µL of inoculum. After 24 hours in a bacteriological incubator at 37°C, it was added 10 µL of the dye 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to confirm the presence of viable microorganisms in the non-inhibitory concentrations, which reflects the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes, involved in the process of cellular respiration. Nystatin was used as positive control and were still conducted controls regarding bacterial growth and sterility of the culture medium. Tests were performed in triplicate.
Result: Thymol exhibited MIC and MFC of 39 µg/mL. Citronellol of 1250 µg/mL and 2500 µg/mL, respectively. Nystatin showed MIC and CFM of 6.25 µg/mL.
Conclusion: The phytochemicals tested have both fungistatic and fungicidal activity on strains of Candida albicans (ATCC 289065).