Antifungal mechanism of action of Schinus lentiscifolius Marchand essential oil and its synergistic effect in vitro with terbinafine and ciclopirox against dermatophytes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal, antichemotactic and antioxidant activities of Schinus lentiscifolius essential oil, as well as its combined effect with terbinafine and ciclopirox, against dermatophytes.

Methods: Essential oil was analysed by GC-MS. The antifungal activity and the mechanism of action were determined by broth microdilution, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, as well as scanning electron microscopy.