Antifungal Activity of Myrtus Communis L. Esssential Oil Against Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus

Abstract

Abstract Aspergillusis is an opportunistic fungal disease caused by different species of Aspergillus. Clinical manifestation and severity of disease related to physiological conditions of host body, involved organs and Aspergillus species. Myrtle is dried leaves of Myrtus communis L. has medicinal properties. Leaves of this plant has 1.5-2% essential oil and has antimicrobial effect. Background: In this study, broth microdilution method was used. Essential oil of plant was extracted by means of Clevenger apparatus and used on isolates; then account of turbidity caused in wells, their MIC was calculated. Methods: Number of samples was twenty six. Five isolates did not grow up to the dilution of 1/8th (MIC=1/4th), eight isolates up to 1/16th (MIC = 1/8th), ten isolates up to 1/32nd (MIC=1/16th) and three isolates up to 1/64th (MIC=1/32nd) of essential oil. Findings: In view of the fact that Myrtus communis essential oil was effective against all isolates in this research we recommend the investigation of its antifungal properties Invivo and the effect of pH and temperature on its antimicrobial properties. Conclusion: Myrtus communis L., Aspergillus, antifungal activity, essential oil. Key words: