Background: Candidiasis is a common oral and vaginal infection. Some
papers have presented that the essential oils of Lamiaceae plants can
have antifungal activity. This study aimed to investigate the activity of 7
essential oils of the Lamiaceae family with known phytochemical
compositions against Candida fungi. Methods: Forty-four strains
belonging to six species were tested: C. albicans, C. glabrata,
C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, C.
parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. During this investigation, the
following methods were used: determination of the minimal inhibitory
concentrations (MICs), biofilm inhibition studies, and in silicotoxicity tests. Results: Essential oils of lemon balm (Melissa
officinalis) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) showed the best
anti-Candida activity, with MIC values below 3.125 mg/mL.
Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), mint (Mentha
Lamiaceae essential oils have activity against Candida species.
Lamiaceae essential oils have activity against the biofilm of selected Candida strains.
Based on in silico studies it appears that Lamiaceae essential oils do not exhibit carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity.

