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Multifunctional Activity of Lippia gracilis Schauer Essential Oil Against Skin Infections
Igor Lima Soares1, Kellen Sá2, Kirley Marques Canuto3
1Postgraduate Program in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicines (PPgDITM), Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60430-160, CE, Brazil.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
This study validates the antifungal properties of Lippia gracilis essential oil, showing its effectiveness against skin fungi and biofilms. It supports traditional use for treating skin infections like dermatophytosis and onychomycosis.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Mycology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Traditional use of Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil for skin disorders in Brazil.
- Need for effective treatments against dermatophytosis and onychomycosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the antifungal activity of Lippia gracilis essential oil.
- Determine its efficacy against dermatophytes and biofilms.
- Validate traditional use for skin infections.
Main Methods:
- Chemical characterization of essential oil using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Antifungal assays determining Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC).
- Biofilm disruption assays and in vitro/ex vivo infection models.
Main Results:
- Essential oil dominated by thymol (37.52%), p-cymene (12.13%), γ-terpinene (9.29%), and gurjunene (10.95%).
- Significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes (MIC/MFC: 50-100 μg/mL).
- Effective disruption of Epidermophyton floccosum biofilms and prevention of ex vivo nail infections.
Conclusions:
- Lippia gracilis essential oil exhibits potent, multifunctional antifungal properties.
- Supports its use as a natural agent for treating dermatophytosis and onychomycosis.
- Provides scientific validation for traditional ethnomedicinal applications.
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