Abstract
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by Malassezia yeast species that affects the regions of the body where the sebaceous glands are
present. The combined
use of different essential oils (EOs) can increase their spectrum of action. Thus,
the present study aimed to evaluate the action of EOs alone and in combination with
each other on
M. furfur, in planktonic and biofilm form, and their anti-inflammatory and mutagenic potential,
in addition to the effects on the viability of cells lines. Of the 40 evaluated EOs,
22
showed activity against M. furfur at 0.5 – 2.0 mg/mL concentrations. Among the most active species, a blend of essential
oils (BEOs) composed of Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.)
Will. Watson (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Mentha × piperita L. (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL) was selected, which showed a synergistic effect against yeast
when evaluated through the checkerboard
assay. The fungicidal activity was maintained by the addition of anti-inflammatory
oil from Varronia curassavica Jacq. to BEOs. The BEOs also showed activity in the inhibition of
biofilm formation and in the eradication of the biofilm formed by M. furfur, being superior to the action of fluconazole. Furthermore, it did not show mutagenic
potential and did not
interfere with the cell viability of both evaluated cell lines (HaCaT and BMDMs).
TNF-α levels were reduced only by C. martini; however, this property was maintained when
evaluating BEOs. BEOs had no effect on IL-8 levels. Thus, the BEOs may be indicated
for alternative treatments against seborrheic dermatitis.
Key words
Poaceae - Lamiaceae - Boraginaceae -
Cymbopogon martini
-
Mentha × piperita
-
Varronia curassavica
