ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS E EXTRATOS ALCOÓLICOS: UMA COMPARAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE ANTIFÚNGICA CONTRA Candida spp.

The increasing resistance of Candida spp. to conventional antifungals, such as azoles and polyenes, represents a relevant clinical challenge, especially in opportunistic infections that affect immunocompromised patients. This scenario has stimulated the search for alternative therapies based on natural compounds, which present lower toxicity and reduced risk of inducing resistance. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the antifungal activity of essential oils and alcoholic extracts of different medicinal plants against Candida strains, with emphasis on Candida albicans and non-albicans species, such as C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. glabrata, known for their ability to form biofilms and resist conventional treatments. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 involving compounds widely used in traditional medicine were reviewed. Among the essential oils investigated, those of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), rich in terpinen-4-ol, and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), composed of citral and geraniol, stand out. Among the alcoholic extracts, Syzygium cumini (jambolão), rich in flavonoids and tannins, and Ziziphus joazeiro (joazeiro), with saponins and phenolic compounds, were included. The results indicate that the essential oils presented superior antifungal activity, even at low concentrations (generally <1%), in addition to a significant antibiofilm effect. The alcoholic extracts also demonstrated efficacy, although requiring higher concentrations. It is believed that the lipophilicity of the oils favors their action on the fungal membrane. It is concluded that both extracts have therapeutic potential, but essential oils, especially those rich in monoterpenes, stand out as more potent and promising alternatives in the development of antifungal phytotherapeutics, especially against resistant strains and recurrent infections.