Targeting Candida albicans Pathogenicity: A Multifactorial Approach Using Lippia graveolens Essential Oil

<i>Candida albicans</i> is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen whose increasing resistance to antifungal agents requires new alternative therapies. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of <i>Lippia graveolens</i> (Mexican oregano) essential oil, with particular emphasis on its effects on key <i>C. albicans</i> virulence factors. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS, identifying carvacrol and thymol as abundant components. Antifungal activity was assessed via disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and time-kill kinetics against clinical and reference <i>Candida</i> strains. The essential oil showed potent fungicidal activity, with MIC and MFC values of 2 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL, respectively. In addition to demonstrating antifungal potency, this work focused on <i>C. albicans</i> virulence factors, revealing that <i>L. graveolens</i> essential oil significantly inhibited germ tube formation at 1 mg/mL and completely suppressed both germ tube and biofilm development at concentrations ≥ 2 mg/mL, along with dose-dependent disruption of fungal membrane integrity. These findings highlight the multifactorial mechanisms by which <i>L. graveolens</i> essential oil affects <i>C. albicans</i> pathogenicity. This study supports its potential as a natural antifungal agent and a valuable adjuvant in the treatment of resistant candidiasis.