Inhibitory Effects of Endemic Thyme's Thymol‐Carvacrol Chemotype Essential Oil on Aspergillus Species with Free Radical Scavenging Properties

Abstract

The study focused on utilizing the anti‐fungal and antioxidant properties of essential oils from Thymus daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis to combat the growth of mycotoxin‐producing Aspergillus species, including A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. niger, all common food and agricultural contaminants. The essential oil exhibited significant antifungal activity, accompanied by notable antioxidant properties. The essential oils from T. daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis displayed significant inhibitory effects on all three Aspergillus species, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 575 to 707 ppm and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 237 to 280 ppm. These findings reaffirm the potent antifungal activity of the essential oils. Additionally, the essential oil exhibited free radical scavenging activity, with an EC50 value of 37.1 μg/ml. Overall, the essential oil from T. daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis demonstrates superior characteristics compared to similar plants and synthetic antibiotics, indicating its promising potential as a natural alternative.