Targeting Candida albicans Pathogenicity: A Multifactorial Approach Using Lippia graveolens Essential Oil

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Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen whose increasing resistance to antifungal agents requires new alternative therapies. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano) essential oil, with particular emphasis on its effects on key C. albicans virulence factors. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC–MS, identifying carvacrol and thymol as abundant components. Antifungal activity was assessed via disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and time-kill kinetics against clinical and reference Candida strains. The essential oil showed potent fungicidal activity, with MIC and MFC values of 2 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL, respectively. In addition to demonstrating antifungal potency, this work focused on C. albicans virulence factors, revealing that L. graveolens essential oil significantly inhibited germ tube formation at 1 mg/mL and completely suppressed both germ tube and biofilm development at concentrations ≥ 2 mg/mL, along with dose-dependent disruption of fungal membrane integrity. These findings highlight the multifactorial mechanisms by which L. graveolens essential oil affects C. albicans pathogenicity. This study supports its potential as a natural antifungal agent and a valuable adjuvant in the treatment of resistant candidiasis.