Essential oils (EOs) are natural extracts from the seeds, stems, roots, flowers, bark and other parts of the plant prepared by steam distillation. They are complex, volatile, natural compounds formed by aromatic plants as secondary metabolites. They are known for their bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, spasmolytic and locally anesthetic properties. They are generally composed of a combination of substances like terpenes, phenolics, aldehydes or alcohols. The complex composition and different mechanisms of action of EOs may be an advantage over other antimicrobials to prevent the development of resistance of pathogenic bacteria. With this background, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of five essential oils like basil, lime, rosemary, thyme and canada balsam against 14 microbes. The effects of essential oil on the selected microbes were determined by agar well diffusion method. The zone of inhibition was observed and measured in millimeter. Essential oils which showed inhibitory diameter >15 mm were further tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). S. aureus, E. coli, S. mutans, S. sanguinis, C. albicans and M. furfur were inhibited by all essential oils. K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and E .faecalis were inhibited only by thyme and not by other essential oils. The MIC values ranged from 50% to 0.10%. The least MIC value of 0.10% was shown by thyme and basil to S. aureus, thyme to E.coli and all essential oils against C. albicans except lime.
Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Selected Aromatic Plants Growing under Different Soil and Climate Conditions
