Antifungal and anti-yeast activity of Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil from Pelagonian region.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether essential oil of the plant Satureja hortensis (savory) (Lamiaceae), cultivated in Pelagonija region (Bitola, Macedonia), manifest certain antifungal activity against the fungus Aspergillus niger and anti-yeast activity against the yeast Candida albicans. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts at the fl owering stage by method of hydro-distillation and Unger apparatus was used to obtain the essential oil from this plant. Antifungal and anti-yeast activities of the oil were evaluated by a disc diff usion method. Essential oil from the plant Satureja hortensis L. showed diff erent antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, depending on the concentration of essential oil used, as well as, the type of microorganism.