Ultrastructural alteration s induced by the essential oil of cin-namon in Fusarium solani isolated from onychomycosis.

Previously, antifungal activity was documented for an essential oil of cinnamon against Fusarium spp., a non-dermatophytes fungus related with onychomycosis. This report showed ultrastructural alterations in spore suspensions treated with that essential oil. The most relevant finding was vacuolization of the cytoplasmic membrane, which could be associated with the lipophylic activity described for this essential oil. This activity apparently disassembles the structure of the cytoplasmic membrane, blocks membrane synthesis, inhibits the germination of spores, and inhibits cellular respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]