Lemongrass Oil Components Synergistically Activates Fluconazole against Biofilm Forms of Candida albicans

Background of Research: Device related infections caused Biofilm forms of Candida albicans are life threatening because of their increased tolerance of antifungal drugs. Combinatorial therapy involving phytochemicals and antifungal drugs would be an effective approach against drug resistant Candida biofilms. Some of the components of lemongrass oil were tested in combination with fluconazole against planktonic and biofilm forms of C. albicans ATCC 90028 and one clinical isolate. Methods: Activities of various combinations were analyzed by chequerboard format. The interaction between lemongrass oil components with fluconazole were determined by calculating fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) and results obtained by XTT metabolic assay were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Result: Components of lemongrass oil, like Nerol, Citral, Linalool, β-ionone, Terpinolene, 1,8 Cineol, Geraniol & Geranyl acetate in combination with fluconazole showed synergistic interaction against developing biofilm of C. albicans . Whereas Geraniol, Nerol and β-ionone with fluconazole combination showed synergistic interaction against mature biofilms of C. albicans . Conclusion: This study for the first time indicates that lemongrass oil components increases efficacy of fluconazole against biofilms of C. albicans .