Hydrogel-containing compounds from Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil are effective against the growth of Candida spp.

Hydrogels containing essential oils are promising formulations for use with antimicrobial purposes. Therefore, this study was proposed to verify the anti-candida potential of hydrogels containing clove essential oil. For this purpose, clove oil and clove essential oil were used in the tests against the yeasts Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution method. Furthermore, the fungistatic activity was evaluated by the time-kill curve assay. The MIC assays indicated that clove essential oil presented a MIC of 32 µg/mL after 48 hours; this compound was observed to have greater efficacy than the crude oil. The kill curve assays indicate that clove essential oil was more effective, with a MIC of 64 µg/mL for all Candida strains tested after 24 and 48 hours. Hydrogel formulations were made with sodium alginate, clove oil, and clove essential oil. Physicochemical tests were then determined, and microbiological stability was determined for fungi and bacteria up to 60 days of maintenance of the hydrogel at a temperature of 30°C (±2), as recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The hydrogel formulations containing clove essential oil effectively controlled the Candida species' growth. The results suggest that clove essential oil is a promising antifungal agent against Candida spp—infections, especially in increasing resistance to conventional treatments.