Essential oil of Daucus carota subsp halophilus:: Composition, antifungal activity and cytotoxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Essential oils are known to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Daucus carota L is used since olden times in traditional medicine, due to recognized therapeutic properties, namely the antimicrobial activity of their essential oils. Aim of the study: In the present study the composition and the antifungal activity of the oils of Daucus carota L. subsp. halophilus (Brot.) A. Pujadas (Apiaceae), an endemic plant from Portugal, were evaluated. Moreover, their cytotoxicity in mouse skin dendritic cells at concentration showing significant antifungal activity was also evaluated. Material and methods: The oils were investigated by GC and GC-MS and the antifungal activity (MIC and MLC) were evaluated against yeasts, dermatophyte and Aspergillus strains. Assessment of cell viability was made by the MTT assay. Results: The results showed large variations in the compositions during ontogenesis. particularly in the amounts of elemicin that increased significantly in the ripe umbels (5.9% vs. 31.0%). The results also demonstrated that the oil with high amounts of elemicin, which have stronger antifungal activity, showed no cytotoxic effect, at concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 0.64 mu l/ml, for as long as 24h. Conclusion: It is possible to find appropriate doses of Daucus carota oil showing both antifungal activity and very low detrimental effect on mammalian cells. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.