In vitro susceptibility of some species of yeasts and filamentous fungi to essential oils of Salvia officinalis

Composition and antifungal activity of Salvia officinalis essential oil were studied. Three samples of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial parts of plants grown in Portugal and one commercial sample were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Quantitative differences were observed in the compositions, particularly in the amounts of cis-thujone (8.8–37.1%) and camphor (11.6–23.4%). Antifungal activity of the oils was evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal lethal concentrations (MLC) determinations against Candida (four clinical isolates and four ATCC type strains), dermatophytes (five clinical strains) and other filamentous fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Fusarium). The oils exhibited a broad antifungal spectrum, with higher activity against dermatophyte strains. The oil with 10.4% of cis-thujone and 20.5% of camphor was the most active and showed fungicidal activity, with MIC and MLC values of 0.63 μl/ml, against dermatophyte strains. Sage products, with low content of thujones, may be an alternative as antifungal agents in different areas.