Effects of Zataria Multiflora, Mentha Longifolia, and Origanum Vulgare Plant Essential Oils on the Inhibition of Candida Albicans

Background and Aim: In recent years, yeast, particularly Candida species, has been the most common fungus separated from human infections. In this research, effects of essential oils of some plants on the clinical strains of Candida albicans were examined. Materials and Methods: Forty clinical strains of Candida were obtained from the Infectious Diseases Research Center of Arak University of Medical Sciences. After preparing the essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Mentha longifolia, and Origanum vulgare, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils against Candida albicans strains was determined. the Morphological changes at different times were investigated using the negative staining method and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results: The results of the disc diffusion test indicated that the highest resistance rates in 0.625 mg/ml of O. vulgare, M. longifolia, and Z. multiflora essential oils were 31(77.5%), 15(37.5%), and 13(32.5%), respectively. The lowest MIC was related to Z. Multiflora essential oil (0.625 mg/ml). After treatment with the essential oils, the yeasts immediately decreased at zero hour. This decrease became more noticeable with the passage of time and reached the minimum number after 24 hours. Moreover, electron microscope images showed changes in the morphology of the yeasts. Conclusion: Zataria multiflora, Mentha longifolia, and Origanum vulgare essential oils, particularly Zataria multiflora, had antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans that were isolated to be studied. Thus, Zataria multiflora essential oil can be used as an anti-candida agent in the preparation of antifungal compounds