In Vitro Antifungal and Wound-Healing Potential of Ferulago cassia and Ferulago silaifolia Essential Oils in Skin Candidiasis

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Background/Objectives: Skin candidiasis is a key contributor to chronic, non-healing wounds, largely due to persistent microbial infections. Candida species can colonize the skin, form protective biofilms, and interfere with enzyme activity, leading to extracellular matrix degradation, changes in pigmentation, and impaired wound healing. The rising prevalence of antifungal resistance challenges its management, underscoring the need for more effective antifungal therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antifungal effects and wound-healing potential of essential oils (EOs) from Ferulago spp. Methods: The antifungal activity of the EOs from five Ferulago species was evaluated against Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans. The most active EOs were further investigated for their effects on C. albicans virulence factors, including germ tube formation, as well as biofilm formation and disruption. These effects were assessed using microscopic observation, XTT reduction assay, and crystal violet and safranin stainings. The wound-healing potential of the EOs was evaluated using the scratch-wound assay on fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Additionally, the effect on tyrosinase and elastase activity, was also investigated. Results:F. silaifolia and F. cassia essential oils showed fungicidal activity against Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans. F. silaifolia displayed greater potency, with lower MIC and MLC values. Both oils inhibited key C. albicans virulence factors at sub-MIC concentrations. F. silaifolia EO was more effective in preventing biofilm formation whereas F. cassia EO showed notable tyrosinase inhibitory effect. Conclusions: These findings align with traditional uses and suggest that F. silaifolia and F. cassia EOs exhibit antifungal activity alongside properties associated with wound healing, supporting their potential as topical antifungal agents and thereby justifying further investigation.