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The use of natural antifungal agents has gained much attention to extend shelf-life, increase the safety of food products in the food industry and inhibit disease-causing microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and anti-adhesion potential of 15 plant extract, essential oils and chemical compounds against Candida spp. and Pichia spp. Susceptibility tests indicated that essential oils of Cinnamomum verum and Origanum vulgare had the highest inhibitory effect. For most extracts and essential oils examined, Pichia membranifaciens ZIM 2417 was the most sensitive yeast, while Candida glabrata ZIM 2369 proved to be the least sensitive one. Anti-adhesion ability of the plant extracts and essential oils against C. glabrata ZIM 2369 was estimated by the standard crystal violet assay. The results showed that the essential oils of C. verum, O.vulgare, Satureja montana and Thymus vulgaris possessed promising activity against the initial phase of biofilm formation and the pre-formed 24 h biofilm of C. glabrata. On the other hand, Sedum roseum extract showed the strongest anti-adhesion effect. Results of this study support the use of plant extracts, essential oils and their biologically active components against C. glabrata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural substances with antimicrobial activity in combination with conventional antimicrobial agents is a promising strategy in the control of pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of a disinfectant based on sodium hypochlorite and lavender, tea tree, peppermint and rosemary essential oils against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028) bacteria. Further, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and the disinfectant mixed in various combinations in order to detect synergistic or antagonistic effects and discuss these effects on the basis of an improved checkerboard technique. The results showed a synergistic and additive effect for most combinations of the disinfectant and essential oils with fractional inhibitory concentrations index (FICI) values of 0.375 and 1, respectively. The effectiveness of the disinfectant in combination with essential oils was also determined using the quantitative suspension test and results indicated the maximum germicidal effect after the exposure time of 5 min. Taking into account increased interest in the use of natural antimicrobial agents in recent years, the application of a combination of disinfectant with essential oils represents a significant strategy in the control of pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]