Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil on germ tube formation by Candida albicans isolated from denture wearers.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil on germ tube formation by Candida albicans isolated from denture wearers.

Methods: Ten C. albicans isolates recovered from denture wearers were tested using 10% fetal bovine serum with or without 4% R. officinalis essential oil.

Results: The essential oil from R. officinalis completely inhibited germ tube formation in the investigated C. albicans isolates.

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the essential oil of R. officinalis modulates C. albicans pathogenicity through its primary virulence factor (i.e., germ tube formation was suppressed).