Abstract:The antibacterial activity and antioxidant effect of the compounds α-terpineol, linalool, eucalyptol and α-pinene obtained from essential oils (EOs), against pathogenic and spoilage forming bacteria were determined. The antibacterial activities of these compounds were observed in vitro on four Gram-negative and three Gram-positive strains. S. putrefaciens was the most resistant bacteria to all tested components, with MIC values of 2% or higher, whereas E. coli O157:H7 was the most sensitive strain among the tested bacteria. Eucalyptol extended the lag phase of S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus at the concentrations of 0.7%, 0.6% and 1%, respectively. In vitro cell growth experiments showed the tested compounds had toxic effects on all bacterial species with different level of potency. Synergistic and additive effects were observed at least one dose pair of combination against S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus, however antagonistic effects were not found in these combinations. The results of this first study are encouraging for further investigations on mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of these EO components.

In this study, thyme and clove essential oils (EOs) were studied for their chemical composition, antioxidant, antiradical and antibacterial activity and application in ground beef. Carvacrol (75.27%) and eugenol (75.2%) were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis as the main components of thyme and clove EOs, respectively. Broth microdilution method showed all bacteria inhibited by the EOs, while Shewanella putrefaciens and Listeria innocua were the most resistant bacteria to thyme and clove EOs, respectively. EO treatment restricted the growth of artificially inoculated Salmonella typhimurium and native Coliforms in the ground beef. Antioxidant activity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods demonstrated that clove EO had higher in vitro antioxidant activity than thyme EO. Similar results were obtained in ground beef application using 2-thiobarbituric acid value. EOs of clove (2MIC) exerted remarkable higher antioxidant activity in ground beef than EOs of thyme (4MIC), which represent valid alternative antioxidant in meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPlant essential oils (EOs) serve as a "safe" alternative to chemical or synthetic antimicrobials and antioxidants to struggle with the foodborne pathogens or spoilage organisms, inhibiting lipid oxidation and thus extending shelf life. Antioxidant activity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods showed that clove EO had higher in vitro antioxidant activity than thyme EO. Results obtained using 2-thiobarbituric acid value in ground beef application were found similar. EOs of clove (2MIC) exerted higher antioxidant activity in ground beef than EOs of thyme (4MIC). Therefore, EOs could be a valid alternative antioxidant in meat products.