Antifungal Activity of Thyme Essential Oil on Woolen Sheepskins

This work covers the chemical composition of thyme essential oil analyzed using GC-MS and its antifungal activity on woolen sheepskins. The main components of thyme oil were determined: carvacrol (57.355%), Tymol (32.430%) and o-Cymol (3.993%). The woolen sheepskins treated with thyme essential oil in a rate of 30g/1000g tanned furs were assayed for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. These pathogens are very contagious and results in severe damage of leather/skins/furs. The woolen sheepskins treated with thyme essential oil were investigated by ASTM D4576–86 (1996) method against Aspergillus niger and by Standard SR EN ISO 20645:2004 against Candida albicans. The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris displayed a moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger on woolen sheepskins.