Antifungal activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of two new <i>Teucrium capitatum</i> L. chemotypes from Sardinia Island, Italy

Abstract

The chemical composition of two populations of <i>Teucrium capitatum</i> L. one from the coastline and the other one from the mountainous area of Sardinia (Italy) was assessed. Two chemotypes were identified: limonene/α-pinene/(E)-nerolidol chemotype predominant in the coastline, and limonene/α-pinene/α-trans-bergamotene/humulene epoxide II chemotype common in plants growing in the mountainous area. In addition, our results showed that the sample growing in the coastline had a more promising antifungal activity. Furthermore, this sample was highly effective in inhibiting <i>C. albicans</i> germ tube formation, at doses well below its MIC. Overall, this study shows that the edaphoclimatic characteristics play an important role on the essential oil composition and biological activity of <i>Teucrium capitatum</i> L.