Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fungal infections have significant health risks due to virulence factors like biofilms that lead to chronic and persistent infections. To decrease associated rates of morbidity and mortality, it is crucial to develop effective antifungal treatments. The present study aims to evaluate the bioactive potential of Ferulago spp. essential oils by assessing their effect on dermatophytes and wound healing, as these fungi are often associated with wound infection. METHODS: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) of five essential oils were assessed on planktonic dermatophytes and the most promising were used to evaluate their effect on the formation and disruption of biofilms, by quantifying biofilm mass using crystal violet and extracellular matrix deposition using safranin staining. Alterations in fungal morphology were confirmed by optical microscopy and a cell migration assay was used to assess wound-healing capacity. RESULTS: Ferulago silaifolia essential oil characterized by high amounts of α-pinene (45.4%) and cis-crysanthenyl acetate (39.1%) was the most active, particularly against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 50 µg/mL). Regarding biofilm assays, Trichophyton rubrum was the most susceptible strain, with both biofilm mass and extracellular matrix being highly compromised with an evident decrease in hyphal growth and mycelial density. In addition, this essential oil significantly increased fibroblast migration at 25 μg/mL, indicating a wound-healing effect that could prevent systemic infections. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides new insights into the treatment of dermatophytosis by highlighting the antivirulent effects of F. silaifolia essential oil and its potential wound-healing properties.