Antifungal activity of essential oils of tea tree, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon, and their components

Abstract Phytopathogenic fungi are responsible for sizeable postharvest food losses. The traditional form of controlling these fungi is related to synthetic antifungals. However, the emergence of resistant strains and their high cost, among other problems, encourage the scientific community to seek...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gustavo Aparecido Martins, Juliano Lemos Bicas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL) 2024-02-01
Series:Brazilian Journal of Food Technology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1981-67232024000100300&lng=en&tlng=en
Description
Summary:Abstract Phytopathogenic fungi are responsible for sizeable postharvest food losses. The traditional form of controlling these fungi is related to synthetic antifungals. However, the emergence of resistant strains and their high cost, among other problems, encourage the scientific community to seek alternatives in natural substances at a lower cost. In this scenario, a group that stands out among these natural substances is essential oils. Essential oils are naturally volatile and aromatic compounds derived from plants. These compounds have bactericidal, virucidal, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. This review presents the essential oils of tea tree, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon and their main components identified as responsible for their antifungal activity.
ISSN:1981-6723