Chemical Composition, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Hemolytic Activities of Moroccan Thymus capitatus Essential Oil

Abstract

This study aimed to define the chemical composition of Moroccan Thymus capitatus essential oil, and to investigate its in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities against human pathogenic fungi. Chemical analysis using GC‐FID and GC‐MS system revealed 28 constituents, representing 99% of total compounds. Oxygenated monoterpenes represented the highest proportion (79.79%), among which carvacrol (75.73%) was the predominant compound, followed by linalol (2.26%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the second major fraction (16.29%): within them, the predominant constituents were γ‐terpinene (5,55%), ρ‐cymene (5,50%), and β‐caryophyllene (2.73%). Antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH scavenging, β‐carotene bleaching inhibition, and ferric reducing power. T. capitatus revealed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50=110.53μg.mL‐1), strong ferric reducing ability (EC50=644.4µg.mL‐1), and a remarkable degree of protection against lipid peroxidation during β‐carotene bleaching inhibition (IC50=251.76µg.mL‐1). Antifungal activity was carried out against Candida, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus species by microdilution method. T. capitatus exhibited potent anticandidal activity (MIC=125‐500µg.mL‐1) and strong inhibition against filamentous fungi (MIC=250‐500µg.mL‐1). Its hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes had a low toxic effect at concentrations lower than 1250µg.mL‐1. The useful antioxidant properties and broad antifungal effect of T. capitatus EO confirm its considerable potential for the food industry and for phytopharmaceutical production.