Testing the potential antifungal activity of Origanum vulgare against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus Niger and Talaromyces marneffei isolated from pets

Abstract

Origanum vulgare (oregano) is an aromatic herb commonly used in the Mediterranean, widely known for its medicinal properties. In this experiment, we tested its antifungal properties against two species of Aspergillus (A. niger and A. fumigatus) and the emerging Talaromyces marneffei. We tested the plant’s antifungal activity in a range of concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/mL) in which the plant was dissolved and mixed with growth medium (PDA) and then inoculated with the fungi. The percentage of inhibition was measured over 7 days with data being collected on the 3rd, 5th and 7th days. Fungal activity inhibition ranging from 30 to 100% was achieved against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus and from 50 to 100% against Talaromyces marneffei. This multi-disciplinary study brought the use of plants into the veterinary sciences by using samples isolated from pets, with the aim of researching potential alternatives to traditional antifungal treatments and the ultimate goal ofincreasing animal wellbeing.