Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antifungal Properties of Eucalyptus Oil against Candida Species

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of eucalyptus oil and evaluate its antifungal properties against Candida species. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, quinones, saponins, and tannins. Flavonoids were found to have the highest concentration, followed by tannins and polyphenols. GC-MS analysis identified several compounds in eucalyptus oil, including 2,3-Diamino-2-cyanosuccinonitrile as a major component. Antifungal assays demonstrated that eucalyptus oil inhibited the growth of Candida albigans, Candida tropicalis and Candida kefyr, with varying degrees of inhibition depending on the concentration used. The antifungal activity may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as 1-Butyne, 3-methyl-, 1-Hexen-4-ol, 1-chloro-3-methyl, N-(Methylphenylamino) methyl) benzamide. Further studies are required to explore the specific role and potential benefits of the identified compounds in eucalyptus oil and to evaluate the effectiveness of eucalyptus oil as an antifungal agent in clinical settings.