Application of essential oils as natural cosmetic preservatives

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariola Dreger ◽  
Karolina Wielgus

Abstract Nowadays, safety of chemical preservatives has been questioned by a big number of consumers. Traditionally used preservatives often cause skin irritation and lead to allergenic reactions. Growing demands for more natural and preservative-free cosmetics promoted an idea of the replacement of synthetic preservatives with essential oils (EOs) of antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial effect of essential oil depends on content, concentration and interactions between the main active compounds. Effective preservatives should be characterized by a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity at a minimum concentration. Formulations containing both types of preservatives: essential oil and a synthetic one have been tested and proposed as a compromise that allows for reducing concentration of both components due to their synergistic activity. Although most essential oils are regarded as safe, some of them may cause risk of contact allergy or phototoxic reaction. A well balanced risk-benefit assessment of essential oils is one of the great challenges for scientists or health policy authorities. This paper presents current state of knowledge on essential oils focused on their antimicrobial properties, the assessment of their efficacy and safety as cosmetic preservatives.

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 700
Author(s):  
Tatjana Mihajilov-Krstev ◽  
Boris Jovanović ◽  
Bojan Zlatković ◽  
Jelena Matejić ◽  
Jelena Vitorović ◽  
...  

Petasites hybridus (Common butterbur) is extensively used in traditional medicine, and is currently gaining interest and popularity as a food supplement and for its medicinal properties. It contains a large number of active compounds of potential therapeutic activity, but also toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Science-based information is needed to support the developing modern use of this plant, and to direct continued safe practice in traditional medicine. The present study focused on the essential oils from leaves and rhizomes of the understudied P. hybridus ssp. ochroleucus from the Balkans, and evaluated its phytochemistry and potential therapeutic activities (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase and anti-inflammatory), as well its toxicology potential (acute toxicity in insects and mice). We studied the essential oils, which are not commonly used in traditional practices, but have a potential for safe use since the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are non-volatiles, are usually not present in the distilled essential oils. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids were indeed not detected in the essential oils; ingestion of the essential oils did not induce toxicity signs in mice, and topical application did not elicit skin irritation in humans. The essential oils had no antimicrobial properties against 20 pathogenic bacterial strains, but demonstrated good local anti-inflammatory activity in a Carrageenan-induced paw edema test. An insect toxicity test demonstrated that the leaf essential oil is an efficient insect repellent, and the demonstrated anti-cholinesterase activity suggests a potential for the treatment of neurological conditions. Isopetasin, a sesquiterpene found in plants of the genus Petasites, known to have anti-inflammatory effects, was present only in the rhizomes essential oil (3.9%), and sesquiterpene lactones concentrations were high, likely contributing to the antioxidant activity.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1065
Author(s):  
Vaida Vaičiulytė ◽  
Kristina Ložienė ◽  
Jurgita Švedienė ◽  
Vita Raudonienė ◽  
Algimantas Paškevičius

The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrence of T. pulegioides α-terpinyl acetate chemotype, as source of natural origin α-terpinyl acetate, to determine its phytotoxic and antimicrobial features. Were investigated 131 T. pulegioides habitats. Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Phytotoxic effect of essential oil of this chemotype on monocotyledons and dicotyledons through water and air was carried out in laboratory conditions; the broth microdilution method was used to screen essential oil effect against human pathogenic microorganisms. Results showed that α-terpinyl acetate was very rare compound in essential oil of T. pulegioides: it was found only in 35% of investigated T. pulegioides habitats. α-Terpinyl acetate (in essential oil and pure) demonstrated different behavior on investigated plants. Phytotoxic effect of α-terpinyl acetate was stronger on investigated monocotyledons than on dicotyledons. α-Terpinyl acetate essential oil inhibited seeds germination and radicles growth for high economic productivity forage grass monocotyledon Poa pratensis, but stimulated seed germination for high economic productive forage legume dicotyledon Trifolium pretense. α-Terpinyl acetate essential oil showed high antimicrobial effect against fungi and dermatophytes but lower effect against bacteria and Candida yeasts. Therefore, T. pulegioides α-terpinyl acetate chemotype could be a potential compound for developing preventive measures or/and drugs for mycosis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Saeidnejad ◽  
Peyman Rajaei

Essential oils constitute a heterogeneous collection of chemical compounds. Their main characteristics are that they all synthesized by plants and are volatile and mostly soluble in ethanol. They have traditionally been obtained from plants and they have been widely used for insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils contains about 20–60 components at quite different concentrations and they are characterized by two or three major components at fairly high concentrations. Lately, the essential oils and various extracts of plants have gained special interest as sources of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents because of the resistance to antibiotics that some microorganisms have acquired and the possible toxicities of the synthetic antioxidants. Spices consumed daily in different types of food to improve flavors, since ancient times, are well known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. During recent decades, numerous numbers of plants have been monitored for their possible role as repellents and insecticides. In this review, the chemical composition profile of some important medicinal plants was evaluated, then antimicrobial properties of a number of essential oils was compared. Antioxidant activity of some essential oils was also considered. Finally, essential oil repellent properties an an important characteristics was evaluated. Further investigation for available data related to the other biological properties of medicinal plants essential oil is recommended.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12043 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 9-13


Author(s):  
Lucia Bićanić ◽  
Silvestar Mežnarić ◽  
Ivana Gobin

Abstract Pathogenic bacteria of the genus Legionella cause atypical pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease and flu – like disease known as Pontiac fever. As pathogens of the respiratory system, these bacteria represent a public health problem and there is a need for examine new alternative ways to inactivate them. These bacteria live naturally in water and are transmitted by infectious aerosols. To purify the air, essential oils that show antimicrobial properties are widely used. The anti-Legionella activity of five exotic essential oils and five Mediterranean essential oils characteristic for coastal Croatia was examined. Model organism used in experiments was L. pneumophila (strain 130b). This experiment was conducting with modified version of sealed plate method using a BCYE medium. The exotic essential oil with highest anti-Legionella activity was Niaouli essential oil, and the best anti-Legionella activity among Mediterranean essential oils showed Immortelle essential oil. Anti- Legionella activity of four main chemical compounds was examined and compound that show significant highest anti-Legionella activity was α – pinene. Volatile components of essential oils have a great potential as anti-Legionella agents and further research are needed.


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Pajohi Alamoti ◽  
Behnaz Bazargani-Gilani ◽  
Razzagh Mahmoudi ◽  
Anna Reale ◽  
Babak Pakbin ◽  
...  

Aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of herbal plant essential oils (EOs) from selected Iranian plant species such as Ferulago angulata, Zataria multiflora, Cuminum cyminum, and Mentha longifolia against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. For this purpose, the Escherichia coli strains, isolated from raw cow’s milk and local dairy products (yogurt, cream, whey, cheese, and confectionery products) collected from different areas of Hamedan province, Iran, were investigated for their resistance to antibiotics (i.e., streptomycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and cefixime). Thus, the E. coli strains were tested for their susceptibility to the above-mentioned essential oils. Regarding antibiotics, the E. coli strains were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin. In relation to essential oils, the most effective antibacterial activity was observed with Zataria multiflora; also, the bacteria were semi-sensitive to Cuminum cyminum and Mentha longifolia essential oils. All strains were resistant to Ferulago angulata essential oil. According to the results, the essential oil of Zataria multiflora can be considered as a practical and alternative antibacterial strategy to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli of dairy origin.


2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 401-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ksenija Mileski ◽  
Ana Dzamic ◽  
Ana Ciric ◽  
Slavica Grujic ◽  
M. Ristic ◽  
...  

This study was undertaken to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial effect of essential oil and extracts of Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. (fam. Apiaceae) collected in Macedonia. The chemical composition of E. sibthorpiana essential oil was characterized by the presence of methyl eugenol (60.40%), p-cymene (11.18%) and ?-phellandrene (10.23%). The free radical scavenging activity of extracts and essential oil was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. The aqueous extract of aerial parts exhibited the strongest scavenging activity (IC50=1.67 mg/ml); results of the ABTS test showed that the most effective was the ethanol extract of aerial parts (1.11 mg vit. C/g). The essential oil showed stronger antioxidant activity compared to hydroxyanisole, ascorbic acid and quercetin that were used in the DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations in the extracts ranged between 38.65-60.72 mg GA/g, and 3.15-19.00 mg Qu/g, respectively. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts and essential oil were investigated using a micro-well dilution technique against human pathogenic strains. The results were comparable with the effects of the positive controls, streptomycin and fluconazole. These findings indicate that E. sibthorpiana extracts and oil can be used in preventive treatments and as an alternative for synthetic preservatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-97
Author(s):  
Zohreh Karimi Taheri ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Hosein Aarabi ◽  
Ali Nazari Alam ◽  
Majid Nejati ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro. Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.106). Results: The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/mL; P<0.05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μg/mL; P<0.05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conclusion: Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1701200
Author(s):  
Milica Drobac ◽  
Silvana Petrović ◽  
Marina Milenković ◽  
Maria Couladis ◽  
Jelena Kukić-Marković ◽  
...  

The compositions of hydrodistillated essential oils of Laser trilobum (L.) Borkh. rhizomes and fruits from Serbia, were investigated using GC and GC/MS. In the dark-blue rhizome oil forty-six compounds (93.1% of the total oil) were identified, with α-pinene (31.5%), γ-terpinene (9.0%), p-cymene (7.9%), β-pinene (6.1%) and 1,4-dimethylazulene (6.0%) as the major components. In the colorless fruits oil, twenty components (96.8% of the total oil) were identified, and the main constituents were limonene (51.6%) and perillaldehyde (26.8%). The antimicrobial activity of the oils was tested using the broth microdilution method against nine bacterial and two fungal strains. The oils revealed significant antimicrobial effect, mainly better than that of thymol, used as a reference compound. The strongest activity was recorded for the rhizome oil against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans (MICs=25 μg/mL), and the fruit oil against C. albicans ATCC 10259 (MIC=12.5 μg/mL).


Author(s):  
Shuzhi Li ◽  
Jingyang Zhou ◽  
Yanan Wang ◽  
Anguo Teng ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractEmulsion is an efficient encapsulation tool for enhancing the functional properties of essential oils (EOs). Herein, two two-dimensional cinnamon essential oil emulsions (from micro- to nanoscales) were emulsified by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and their antimicrobial and physicochemical properties were investigated. For the models of Escherichia coli CGMCC 1.0907, Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serovar Typhi (CICC 10867), Staphylococcus aureus CGMCC 1.0089, and Listeria monocytogene CGMCC 1.9144, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the nanoemulsion was 31.25 μL/mL compared to that of the microemulsion (62.5–125 μL/mL) and pure oil (125–250 μL/mL), indicating the superiority of nanoemulsion as an antibacterial agent. The results showed that the highest activity was seen in the gram-positive L. monocytogenes whereas the lowest was in the gram-negative S. enterica. The identified properties of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) provide the potential for emulsifying and enhancing essential oils in light industries, especially for food processing.


2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hend A. Hamedo

Technological application of essential oils, as natural antimicrobial agents, to reduce the effect of pathogenic microorganisms, requires new methods of detection. The present work evaluated the parameters of antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on two pathogenic strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The MBC and MIC values were of 2.5, 25 μl ml-1, and values of 1.25 and 5 μl ml-1 for the two strains respectively. In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for its potential to establish antimicrobial effect of rosemary essential oil. For the preliminary assessment, this study compared the effects occurring at molecular levels in E. coli and Staph. aureus exposed to rosemary essential oil at the MIC concentrations for the two organisms. The qualitative modifications arising in random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles as a measure of DNA effects were compared with control which showed many differences. In conclusion, the measurement of parameters at molecular levels is valuable for investigating the specific effects of agents interacting with DNA.


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