Insecticidal Activity and Antimycotic Effect of Pinus silvestris Essential Oil against Yeasts of the Genus Candida
Keywords:
Pinus silvestris essential oil, anti-candidal activity, insecticidal potentialAbstract
Research increasingly targets new bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, food, and pest-management uses. Phenolics form a major class, and common pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a versatile source valued beyond timber, with components beneficial to human health. We examined the potential of P. sylvestris essential oil (EO) to inhibit Candida yeasts and to control the storage pest Megabruchidius dorsalis. Yeast growth inhibition was measured in vitro by disc diffusion against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, and in situ using apple and carrot models. Pest control was evaluated across EO concentrations. The highest concentration produced the strongest mortality in M. dorsalis. The most pronounced in vitro growth suppression was observed for C. albicans. In situ, the apple model again showed the greatest inhibition of C. albicans, whereas the carrot model showed the strongest effect on C. tropicalis. Overall, P. sylvestris EO provided meaningful repellency and suppression of Candida yeasts across test systems. These findings support its use as a natural option for controlling Candida spp. and as a botanical deterrent for M. dorsalis. Further work should address dose–response, mechanism, and safety to enable practical application in food protection and integrated pest management. Field validation under realistic conditions.
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