Efeito antifúngico do óleo de melaleuca ozonizado frente a Sporothrix schenkii

Abstract

The increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents has prompted the search for effective natural alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal effect of ozonized Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil against Sporothrix schenckii, compared to its raw form. Ozonization was performed for 1 and 3 hours using pure oxygen flow and controlled ozone concentration, resulting in distinct peroxide index values. In vitro assays were conducted to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) using the microdilution method. Fungicidal kinetics were also assessed by monitoring microbial load reduction over time. Additionally, creams containing ozonized oil at 1.6% and 3.2% concentrations were formulated and tested using biofilm formation and disk diffusion methods. The oil ozonized for 3 hours (PI = 1655.15 ± 4.27 mmol-Eq/kg) showed MIC and MFC of 0.8%, achieving fungal elimination in 150 minutes. Creams demonstrated inhibition zones up to 28 mm. The results indicate that ozonization enhances the antifungal activity of tea tree oil, presenting a promising therapeutic alternative for treating resistant cutaneous fungal infections.

Keywords: Essential oil. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Ozone. Sporothrix schenckii. Antifungal resistance.