Exploration du potentiel antioxydant, antifongique et antidermatophyte des huiles essentielles de Laurus nobilis L. et leur valorisation par la formulation d’un produit naturel.

Abstract

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nail mainly caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton and Microsporum) and opportunistic yeasts such as Candida albicans. Due to the limitations of conventional antifungal treatments, essential oils have emerged as promising natural alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antifungal, and antidermatophytic activities of Laurus nobilis L. essential oils and to valorize them through the development of an antifungal spray formulation. The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation with a yield of 0.49%. GC-MS analysis identified 41 compounds, predominantly eucalyptol (39.08%) and linalool (14.56%). Antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH assay showed an IC₅₀ value of 140.63 μg/ml, indicating moderate antioxidant potential. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the aromatogram method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The essential oils exhibited significant inhibitory effects against dermatophytes and Candida albicans, with inhibition zones ranging from 17.4 to 67.5 mm and MIC and MFC values between 5 and 10 mg/ml. An MFC/MIC ratio equal to 1 for most isolates indicated a predominantly fungicidal effect. The developed spray formulation was stable, homogeneous, and suitable for topical application, with a pH ranging from 5 to 5.5. It demonstrated remarkable antifungal activity, producing inhibition zones between 12 and 58.55 mm. These findings highlight the potential of Laurus nobilis L. essential oils as natural antifungal agents and support their application in the development of therapeutic formulations for the management of fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis.