Essential Oil-Based Soap with Clove and Oregano: A Promising Antifungal and Antibacterial Alternative against Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms

Autor(es)

Cruz, Ana Paula Merino ; Nishimura, Felipe Garcia ; dos Santos, Vinicius Cristian Oti ; Steling, Eliana Guedes ; Kress, Marcia Regina Von Zeska ; Marins, Mozart ; Fachin, Ana Lucia

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Molecules; v. 29, n. 19, p. 15-pg., 2024-10-01.

Resumo

The transmission of microorganisms via hands is a critical factor in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), underscoring the importance of rigorous hand hygiene. The rise of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, driven in part by the overuse of antibiotics in clinical medicine, presents a significant global health challenge. Antimicrobial soaps, although commonly used, may exacerbate bacterial resistance and disrupt skin microbiota, posing additional health risks and environmental hazards. Essential oils, with their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, offer a promising alternative. This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of essential oils against various bacterial and fungal strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates. Using a range of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial assays, including minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC), the essential oils were tested against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Additionally, the chemical composition of the oils was analyzed in detail using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS). Clove, oregano, and thyme oils demonstrated potent inhibition of all tested ATCC bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 3.125 to 50 mu L/mL. These oils also showed significant activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Notably, clove oil exhibited remarkable efficacy against fungal strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton rubrum, with MIC values as low as 1.56 mu L/mL. Synergy tests revealed that combinations of clove, oregano, and thyme oils yielded significantly lower MIC values than individual oils, indicating additive or synergistic effects. The formulation of a soap incorporating clove and oregano oils demonstrated efficacy comparable to synthetic antiseptics in vivo. These findings highlight the exceptional antimicrobial potential of essential oils, mainly clove and oregano, against resistant microorganisms, offering a viable alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 23/15218-3 - Aspectos genéticos da patogênese e estratégias de controle da candidíase de repetição e de dermatofitoses provocadas por Trichophyton rubrum
• Beneficiário: Ana Lucia Fachin Saltoratto
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular