The antimicrobial activity of various essential oils against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria

Elcocks, Ellena; Spencer-Phillips, Peter; Adukwu, Emmanuel

Abstract

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of several essential oils against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Methods and results

Disc diffusion, microdilution, and disc volatilisation assays, are methods utilised in this study to assess antimicrobial activity, express the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration, and vapour potential of each essential oil. Of the 15 essential oils employed, all show inhibitory and bactericidal properties against all bacteria tested within the study, with the exception of Pseudomonas spp. Only one essential oil from this study has the ability to inhibit and kill Pseudomonas spp.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted the potential of several essential oils to inhibit and kill various bacteria at concentrations of less than 4% (v/v). These encouraging results give way to the potential exploitation of these essential oils as natural antimicrobials to combat an array of pathogenic bacteria often found in healthcare environments.

Significance of study

Given the current problems faced globally due to antimicrobial resistance, it is essential that research focuses on finding alternative solutions that will either replace or minimise the use of current antimicrobials. Essential oils are naturally occurring products of plants which as a whole possess a plethora of antimicrobial potential and have been utilised for these qualities for many years. However, essential oils to this date are still considered a novel avenue and thus, research is needed to further highlight their potential to combat problematic bacteria and encourage their use.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: SfAM Early Career Scientists Research Symposium 2017
• Start Date: Apr 19, 2017
• End Date: Apr 19, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 7, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10307739