Investigating in vitro antifungal mechanisms of geraniol against Candida albicans.

This study investigated the antifungal mechanisms of geraniol against Candida albicans. Geraniol significantly inhibited growth and biofilm formation, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 µL/mL. At concentrations of 0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 µL/mL, geraniol substantially reduced biofilm biomass (P < 0.05). Microscopic analyses revealed apoptosis induction, membrane shrinkage, and structural damage. Mechanistically, geraniol disrupted cell membrane permeability, inhibited ergosterol synthesis, and downregulated the expression of key virulence genes (SAP5, SAP6, SAP7). These multifaceted mechanisms highlight geraniol as a promising antifungal candidate with potential clinical relevance in combating antifungal resistance. Future studies should include vivo validation to explore its therapeutic application.