In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Some Plant Essential Oils against Four Different Microbial Strains
Source abstract
Abstract
This study evaluates the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of five essential oils (EO): pine oil, thyme oil, sage oil, fennel oil, and eucalyptus essential oils. To identify the chemical composition of the essential oils, we used gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). EO are predominantly characterized by the presence of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, except in the case of fennel essential oil which contains phenylpropanoids as its main components. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was highlighted on four standard microbial strains (two Gram-negative strains-Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; one Gram-positive strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and one yeast strain-Candida albicans ATCC 10231). Antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone, and by determining the values of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum concentration of biofilm eradication (MCBE). Analyzing the diameter values of the inhibition zones we observed increased efficiency of thyme essential oil, which showed the highest values for all tested microbial species. The results of tests performed in a liquid confirm the high sensitivity of the standard strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 to the action of all essential oils, the lowest values of MIC being recorded for sage and thyme essential oils. For the most essential oils tested in this study, the MCBE values are close to the MIC values, except for the pine EO which seems to have stimulated the adhesion of the yeast strain at concentrations lower than 5%. The study highlights the antimicrobial activity of the tested essential oils on Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity · Insect Pest Control Strategies · Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei Street, District 6, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independentei Street, District 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Sos. Panduri 90, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
Faculty of Pharmacy, Titu Maiorescu University, 22 Dambovnicului Street, District 4, 040441 Bucharest, Romania
S.C. Hofigal Import Export S.A., 2 Intrarea Serelor Street, District 4, 042124 Bucharest, Romania
Medicine Faculty, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 10 Victoriei Blvd., 550024 Sibiu, Romania
Funding
Romanian Ministry of Education and Research · Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020 · Creating synergies with RDI actions of the EU’s HORIZON 2020 framework program and other international RDI programs
References (100+)
Show source-provided references
1. GC/MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of the Piper Mikanianum (Kunth) Steud. Essential Oil10.1016/j.fct.2019.110987 ↗
2. Mentha Spicata as Natural Analgesia for Treatment of Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.001 ↗
3. Oliva, A., Costantini, S., de Angelis, M., Garzoli, S., Božović, M., Mascellino, M.T., Vullo, V., and Ragno, R. (2018). High Potency of Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil against Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Molecules, 23.10.3390/molecules23102584 ↗
4. Wińska, K., Mączka, W., Łyczko, J., Grabarczyk, M., Czubaszek, A., and Szumny, A. (2019). Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative?. Molecules, 24.10.3390/molecules24112130 ↗
5. Essential Oils: Their Antibacterial Properties and Potential Applications in Foods—A Review10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2004.03.022 ↗
6. Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease10.1007/s11746-998-0032-9 ↗
7. Complications Related to Biocomposite Screw Fixation in ACL Reconstruction Based on Clinical Experience and Retrieval Analysis
8. Microstructure Development in Titanium and Its Alloys Used for Medical Applications
9. Baltatu, I., Sandu, A.V., Vlad, M.D., Spataru, M.C., Vizureanu, P., and Baltatu, M.S. (2022). Mechanical Characterization and In Vitro Assay of Biocompatible Titanium Alloys. Micromachines, 13.10.3390/mi13030430 ↗
10. Some Aspects Concerning Titanium Coverage with Hydroxyapatite
11. Vizureanu, P., Yamaguchi, S., Le, P.T.M., and Baltatu, M.S. (2020, January 1). Biocompatibility Evaluation of New Timosi Alloys. Proceedings of the Applications of Physics in Mechanical and Material Engineering APMME 2020, Częstochowa, Poland.
12. Robu, A., Antoniac, A., Grosu, E., Vasile, E., Raiciu, A.D., Iordache, F., Antoniac, V.I., Rau, J.V., Yankova, V.G., and Ditu, L.M. (2021). Additives Imparting Antimicrobial Properties to Acrylic Bone Cements. Materials, 14.10.3390/ma14227031 ↗
13. Correlations between Connector Geometry and Strength of Zirconia-Based Fixed Partial Dentures10.1016/j.matchemphys.2018.09.063 ↗
14. Cavalu, S., Antoniac, I.V., Mohan, A., Bodog, F., Doicin, C., Mates, I., Ulmeanu, M., Murzac, R., and Semenescu, A. (2020). Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surface Fabrication for Innovative Cranial and Maxillofacial Surgery. Materials, 13.10.3390/ma13235391 ↗
15. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome—A Major Complication of Large Incisional Hernia Surgery
16. Dependency Between the Porosity and Polymeric Structure of Biomaterials Used in Hernia Surgery and Chronic Mesh—Infection
17. Manescu, V., Paltanea, G., Antoniac, I., and Vasilescu, M. (2021). Magnetic Nanoparticles Used in Oncology. Materials, 14.10.3390/ma14205948 ↗
18. Bioadhesives Used in Cardiovascular Surgery10.37358/RC.18.10.6627 ↗
19. Costache, V.S., Meekel, J.P., Costache, A., Melnic, T., Solomon, C., Chitic, A.M., Bucurenciu, C., Moldovan, H., Antoniac, I., and Candea, G. (2020). Geometric Analysis of Type B Aortic Dissections Shows Aortic Remodeling After Intervention Using Multilayer Stents. Materials, 13.10.3390/ma13102274 ↗
20. Maddheshiya, S., Ahmad, A., Ahmad, W., Zakir, F., and Aggarwal, G. (South Afr. J. Bot., 2022). Essential Oils for the Treatment of Skin Anomalies: Scope and Potential, South Afr. J. Bot., in press.10.1016/j.sajb.2021.12.034 ↗
21. Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases10.4103/0973-7847.125531 ↗
22. Abies Koreana Essential Oil Inhibits Drug-Resistant Skin Pathogen Growth and LPS-Induced Inflammatory Effects of Murine Macrophage10.1007/s11745-009-3297-3 ↗
23. The Essential Oil Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of Anthemis Aciphylla BOISS10.1248/cpb.54.222 ↗
24. Characterization of Essential Oil from Citrus Aurantium L. Flowers: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities10.5650/jos.62.763 ↗
25. Antimicrobial Activity of a Traditionally Used Complex Essential Oil Distillate (Olbas® Tropfen) in Comparison to Its Individual Essential Oil Ingredients10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.014 ↗
26. Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Portuguese Foeniculum Vulgare Fruits
27. Essential Oils of Salvia Bracteata and Salvia Rubifolia from Lebanon: Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity and Inhibitory Effect on Human Melanoma Cells10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.034 ↗
28. The in Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Lavandula Angustifolia Essential Oil in Combination with Other Aroma-Therapeutic Oils
29. The Chemotherapeutic Effect of β-2-Himachalen-6-Ol in Chemically Induced Skin Tumorigenesis10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.027 ↗
30. Vasorelaxant and Cardiovascular Properties of the Essential Oil of Pogostemon Elsholtzioides10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.036 ↗
31. Essential oil composition, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties of two Afromomum species10.5650/jos.ess16029 ↗
32. Curcuma Oil Ameliorates Hyperlipidaemia and Associated Deleterious Effects in Golden Syrian Hamsters10.1017/S0007114512005363 ↗
33. Lin, L.-Y., Chuang, C.-H., Chen, H.-C., and Yang, K.-M. (2019). Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) Essential Oils: Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Hypolipidemic Effect. Foods, 8.10.3390/foods8090398 ↗
34. The Protective Effects of Salvia Officinalis Essential Oil Compared to Simvastatin against Hyperlipidemia, Liver, and Kidney Injuries in Mice Submitted to a High-fat Diet
35. Citrus Aurantium Aroma for Anxiety in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial10.1089/acm.2019.0061 ↗
36. Effects of Aromatherapy on Stress Responses, Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Blood Pressure in the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial10.4040/jkan.2018.48.1.1 ↗
37. The Impact of Thyme and Rosemary on Prevention of Osteoporosis in Rats10.1155/2019/1431384 ↗
38. Thymol Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 and BMM Cells and LPS-Induced Bone Loss in Mice10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.032 ↗
39. Radiographic and Histopathologic Analysis on Osteoarthritis Rat Model Treated with Essential Oils of Rosmarinus Officinalis and Populus Alba10.15171/PS.2017.03 ↗
40. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Essential Oils of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) in Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis10.1016/j.phanu.2016.02.004 ↗
41. α-Bisabolol Suppresses the Inflammatory Response and ECM Catabolism in Advanced Glycation End Products-Treated Chondrocytes and Attenuates Murine Osteoarthritis10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106530 ↗
42. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Monoterpene Myrtenol Is Dependent on the Direct Modulation of Neutrophil Migration and Oxidative Stress10.1016/j.cbi.2017.05.019 ↗
43. Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritic Effect of Volatile Components in Notopterygium Incisum in Rats via Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Activities
44. Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Lavender Essential Oil on Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.08.002 ↗
45. Plant Extracts in the Bone Repair Process: A Systematic Review10.1155/2019/1296153 ↗
46. Effects of Hypericum Perforatum on the Healing of Xenografts: A Histomorphometric Study in Rabbits10.1016/j.bjoms.2016.12.003 ↗
47. Chircov, C., Miclea, I.I., Grumezescu, V., and Grumezescu, A.M. (2021). Essential Oils for Bone Repair and Regeneration—Mechanisms and Applications. Materials, 14.10.3390/ma14081867 ↗
48. Maver, T., Kurečič, M., Maja Smrke, D., Stana Kleinschek, K., and Maver, U. (2019). Plant-Derived Medicines with Potential Use in Wound Treatment. Herbal Medicine, IntechOpen.10.5772/intechopen.72813 ↗
49. Medicinal and Functional Values of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Herb
50. Role of Thymus Oil in Burn Wound Healing10.1097/01.BCR.0000095513.67541.0F ↗
51. The Modern Approach to Wound Treatment
52. Characterization of the Volatile Composition of Essential Oils of Some Lamiaceae Spices and the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of the Entire Oils10.1021/jf051922u ↗
53. In Vitro Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oils from Two Korean Thymus Species against Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens10.1007/BF02973874 ↗
54. Health Beneficial and Pharmacological Properties of P-Cymene10.1016/j.fct.2021.112259 ↗
55. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Essential Oil Encapsulated in Zein Particles10.1002/ffj.3254 ↗
56. Synergistic Effects of Carvacrol, α-Terpinene, γ-Terpinene, ρ-Cymene and Linalool against Gardnerella Species10.1038/s41598-022-08217-w ↗
57. El-Guendouz, S., Aazza, S., Dandlen, S.A., Majdoub, N., Lyoussi, B., Raposo, S., Antunes, M.D., Gomes, V., and Miguel, M.G. (2019). Antioxidant Activity of Thyme Waste Extract in O/W Emulsions. Antioxidants, 8.10.3390/antiox8080243 ↗
58. Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils10.1021/jf403496k ↗
59. Antioxidative Activity of the Essential Oils of Thymus Sipyleus Subsp. Sipyleus Var. Sipyleus and Thymus Sipyleus Subsp. Sipyleus Var. Rosulans10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2004.04.015 ↗
60. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil and Methanol Extracts of Thymus Pectinatus Fisch. et Mey. Var. Pectinatus (Lamiaceae)10.1021/jf025753e ↗
61. Thymol, Thyme, and Other Plant Sources: Health and Potential Uses10.1002/ptr.6109 ↗
62. Pandur, E., Micalizzi, G., Mondello, L., Horváth, A., Sipos, K., and Horváth, G. (2022). Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris L.) Essential Oils Prepared at Different Plant Phenophases on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa LPS-Activated THP-1 Macrophages. Antioxidants, 11.10.3390/antiox11071330 ↗
63. In Vitro Susceptibility of Some Species of Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi to Essential Oils of Salvia Officinalis10.1016/j.indcrop.2007.02.004 ↗
64. Essential Oil of Common Sage (Salvia Officinalis L.) from Jordan: Assessment of Safety in Mammalian Cells and Its Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Potential
65. Variations in Essential Oil, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Tunisian Cultivated Salvia Officinalis L.10.1021/jf901877x ↗
66. Antitumoral and Antioxidant Effect of Essential Oils and in Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oils and Aqueous Extracts from Salvia Pisidica10.2478/s11756-010-0108-5 ↗
67. Antioxidant Activity of Selected Essential Oil Components in Two Lipid Model Systems10.1016/S0308-8146(99)00247-2 ↗
68. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium L.) Essential Oils and Phenolics10.1155/2015/804658 ↗
69. Comparison of Different Extraction Methods for the Determination of Essential Oils and Related Compounds from Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L.) Characterization of Bioactive Molecules Produced by Novel Streptomyces Strains View Project
70. Cholinergic Basis of Memory-Strengthening Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare Linn10.1089/jmf.2006.9.413 ↗
71. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil and Extracts of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.) Seeds from Pakistan10.1002/ffj.1929 ↗
72. Beneficial and Healthy Properties of Eucalyptus Plants: A Great Potential Use10.2174/1874331501610010052 ↗
73. Hirigoyen, A., Varo-Martinez, M.A., Rachid-Casnati, C., Franco, J., and Navarro-Cerrillo, R.M. (2020). Stand Characterization of Eucalyptus Spp. Plantations in Uruguay Using Airborne Lidar Scanner Technology. Remote Sens., 12.10.3390/rs12233947 ↗
74. Vieira, T.A.S., Arriel, T.G., Zanuncio, A.J.V., Carvalho, A.G., Branco-Vieira, M., Carabineiro, S.A.C., and Trugilho, P.F. (2021). Determination of the Chemical Composition of Eucalyptus Spp. For Cellulosic Pulp Production. Forests, 12.10.3390/f12121649 ↗
75. Mahleyuddin, N.N., Moshawih, S., Ming, L.C., Zulkifly, H.H., Kifli, N., Loy, M.J., Sarker, M.M.R., Al-Worafi, Y.M., Goh, B.H., and Thuraisingam, S. (2021). Coriandrum Sativum L.: A Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Cardiovascular Benefits. Molecules, 27.10.3390/molecules27010209 ↗
76. Chemotyping of Diverse Eucalyptus Species Grown in Egypt and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Its Respective Essential Oils10.1080/14786419.2014.981539 ↗
77. Silori, G.K., Kushwaha, N., and Kumar, V. (2019). Essential Oils from Pines: Chemistry and Applications. Essential Oil Research, Springer.10.1007/978-3-030-16546-8_10 ↗
78. Effect of Age and Seasonal Variation on Leachate Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill10.15623/ijret.2013.0208037 ↗
79. The Evolution of Function in Plant Secondary Metabolites10.1086/374190 ↗
80. Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., and Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy, Springer.10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15 ↗
81. Inhibitory Parameters of Essential Oils to Reduce a Foodborne Pathogen10.1016/j.lwt.2004.07.012 ↗
82. Pinus Thunbergii PARL Leaf Protects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease by Enhancing Antioxidant Defense Mechanism in BALB/c Mice10.1016/j.jff.2020.104116 ↗
83. Koutsaviti, A., Toutoungy, S., Saliba, R., Loupassaki, S., Tzakou, O., Roussis, V., and Ioannou, E. (2021). Antioxidant Potential of Pine Needles: A Systematic Study on the Essential Oils and Extracts of 46 Species of the Genus Pinus. Foods, 10.10.3390/foods10010142 ↗
84. A Systematic Review of the Potential Uses of Pine Bark in Food Industry and Health Care10.1016/j.tifs.2018.07.007 ↗
85. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil of Six Pinus Taxa Native to China10.3390/molecules20059380 ↗
86. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil from Pine Needle (Cedrus Deodara)10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02767.x ↗
87. (1998). ISO279:1998—Essential Oils-Determination of Relative Density at 20 °C-Reference Method, ISO.
88. Council of Europe, European Pharmacopoeia Commission, and European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare EDQM (2013). European Pharmacopoeia, Council of Europe.
89. The Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) as a Measure of “Antioxidant Power”: The FRAP Assay10.1006/abio.1996.0292 ↗
90. Gaspar-Pintiliescu, A., and Popescu, A.F. (2022). Antioxidant and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Capacity of Hyrosols from Lamiaceae Plants for Biopesticide Use. The Role of Phenolic Compounds. Res. Sq.10.21203/rs.3.rs-1288970/v1 ↗
91. Influence of Gamma Irradiation on the Biological Properties of Asplenium Scolopendrium L. Hydroalcoholic Extracts10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.109175 ↗
92. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil on Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils and Monocytes10.1080/1071576042000220247 ↗
93. Dhifi, W., Bellili, S., Jazi, S., Bahloul, N., and Mnif, W. (2016). Essential Oils’ Chemical Characterization and Investigation of Some Biological Activities: A Critical Review. Medicines, 3.10.3390/medicines3040025 ↗
94. Galili, S., and Hovav, R. (2014). Determination of Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity in Dry Seeds. Polyphenols in Plants, Elsevier.10.1016/B978-0-12-397934-6.00016-4 ↗
95. Wound Healing Activity of Terpinolene and α-Phellandrene by Attenuating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Vitro10.1016/j.jtv.2019.02.003 ↗
96. Biological Properties of Some Volatile Phenylpropanoids
97. The Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Six Essential Oils and Their Cyto/Genotoxicity to Human HEL 12469 Cells10.1038/s41598-017-08673-9 ↗
98. Antibacterial Activity and Interactions of Plant Essential Oil Combinations against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria10.1016/j.jfda.2016.06.002 ↗
99. The Inhibition of Candida Albicans by Selected Essential Oils and Their Major Components10.1007/s11046-003-4790-5 ↗
100. Xiao, S., Cui, P., Shi, W., and Zhang, Y. (2020). Identification of Essential Oils with Activity against Stationary Phase Staphylococcus Aureus. BMC Complement. Med., 20.10.1186/s12906-020-02898-4 ↗