The Mechanism of Antifungal Action of Essential Oil from Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) on Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

The essential oil extracted from the seeds of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) was demonstrated in this study as a potential source of an eco-friendly antifungal agent. To elucidate the mechanism of the antifungal action further, the effect of the essential oil on the plasma membrane and mitochondria of Aspergillus flavus was investigated. The lesion in the plasma membrane was detected through flow cytometry and further verified through the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. The essential oil caused morphological changes in the cells of A. flavus and a reduction in the ergosterol quantity. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acidification of external medium, and mitochondrial ATPase and dehydrogenase activities were detected. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was also examined through fluorometric assay. Exposure to dill oil resulted in an elevation of MMP, and in the suppression of the glucose-induced decrease in external pH at 4 µl/ml. Decreased ATPase and dehydrogenase activities in A. flavus cells were also observed in a dose-dependent manner. The above dysfunctions of the mitochondria caused ROS accumulation in A. flavus. A reduction in cell viability was prevented through the addition of L-cysteine, which indicates that ROS is an important mediator of the antifungal action of dill oil. In summary, the antifungal activity of dill oil results from its ability to disrupt the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane and from the mitochondrial dysfunction-induced ROS accumulation in A. flavus.

In vitro antifungal activity and mechanism of essential oil from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) on dermatophyte species

“…The effect of FSEO on the mitochondrial ATPase activity of T. rubrum ATCC 40051 was measured by the method reported by Tian et al (2012). The micro-ATPase assay kit was obtained from the Institute of Biological Engineering of Nanjing Jianchen.…”

Application of essential oils as natural cosmetic preservatives

“…The results showed the up-regulation of genes belonging to lipid and fatty acids metabolism, cell wall structure and organization, detoxification, cellular transport etc. Both disrupt permeabilization of membrane and inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport lead to reduced ATP depletion and enhanced accumulation of ROS in aspergillus flavus which was documented by Tian [33]. The disturbances of mitochondrial respiratory chain and ROS accumulation are considered as signals for cell apoptosis.…”

“…It has been found that some EOs exhibit the highest potential against Candida species [31,32] and aspergillus sp. [32,33]. The antifungal mode of action involving cytoplasmic membrane lesion by the disruption of sterol biosynthesis was documented in Candida, aspergillus flavus and Botrytis cinerea cells [32][33][34].…”

“…[32,33]. The antifungal mode of action involving cytoplasmic membrane lesion by the disruption of sterol biosynthesis was documented in Candida, aspergillus flavus and Botrytis cinerea cells [32][33][34]. Ergosterol is a specific sterol component of yeast cell membranes.…”

Formulation and Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Nanoemulsion of a Blend of Antimicrobial Oils

“…The oil of Anethum graveolens (dill oil) is also reported to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. [13][14][15] Allium sativum (garlic) possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties and is associated with allicin, ajoene, thiosulfinates and a wide range of other organophosphate compounds. 16 Its antibacterial spectrum covers Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus epidermidis and Klebsella pneumonia.…”