This study was performed to investigate the anti-Malassezia activity of Zataria multiflora essential oil against various Malassezia species isolated from dogs and cats with Malassezia dermatitis. The essential oil was extracted using Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The screening of antifungal activity of the essential oil was evaluated using disc diffusion and broth macrodilution methods. From the 20 compounds which are component of the oil, carvacrol (61.3%) and thymol (25.2%) appeared as the main components. In the disc diffusion assay, Malassezia furfur and Malassezia globosa showed the most susceptibility to the oil (inhibition zone: 30 mm). In addition, the results of broth macrodilution assay indicated that all the Malassezia species were very susceptible to Z. multiflora oil, with minimum inhibitory concentrations/minimum fungicidal concentrations (MICs/MFCs) ranging from 0.015 to 0.06% (v/v). Z. multiflora essential oil showed potential as an anti-Malassezia agent for inhibiting the growth of various Malassezia species in vitro. Thus, this oil may be a useful alternative for treating Malassezia-associated diseases.

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