Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Spice Herbs

Abstract

Essential oils were obtained from fennel seeds, dill, cumin and coriander. Their antimicrobial activity was tested on isolated clinical specimens of patients treated at the University Hospital of the School of Medicine of Botucatu, SP, UNESP. Microorganisms were grown in BHI (Brain Heart Infusion/Oxoid) at 37 o C/18 hours and resuspended in 0,5 Mac Farland's Standard (1,5 x 10 8 CFU/mL). The diffusion method was performed, putting 10 µl of the essential oils on paper disks (6mm of diameter) (Blank Disks /CECON) at 37 o C/24 hours. After this period, the disks were put on plates containing Mueller Hinton Agar (Oxoid) and inoculated with the microorganisms. After 48 hours at 37 o C, inhibitory zones were measured (mm) for the respective oils and strains. The essential oil from Anethum graveolens showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibitory zone=18 mm), Salmonella sp. (=11 mm) and E. coli (10 mm). The Cuminum cyminum essential oil was effective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella sp. and their inhibitory zones were 18, 10 and 23 mm, respectively. Coriandrum sativum oil was active only against Salmonella sp. (18 mm) and Foeniculum vulgare inhibited only E. coli (9 mm).

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices

“…cerevisiae and Candida rugosa among fungi. Stefanini et al [ 87 ] analyzed the antimicrobial activities of EOs of spices (fennel seeds, dill, cumin, and coriander) by determining the DIZs. The results indicated that cumin was effective against E .…”

“…The antimicrobial activities of four spice EOs against isolated clinical specimens were compared using the diffusion method [ 87 ], and the results showed that coriander oil was active only against Salmonella sp. Dimic et al [ 132 ] tested the antifungal activities of lemon EO, coriander extract and cinnamon extract against five molds ( A. parasiticus , Cladosporium cladosporioides ( C. cladosporioides ), Eurotium herbariorum , Penicillium chrysogenum , and Aspergillus carbonarius ) by the agar dilution method and vapor phase method.…”

Effect of cinnamon essential oil on the microbiological and physiochemical characters of fresh Italian style sausage during storage

“…In addition, CEO contains linalool, eugenol, and other phenolic compounds that are known to be either bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents. These components can attack on the phospholipid in cell membrane, causing the increase in permeability and the leakage of cytoplasm, or interact with enzymes located on the cell wall to extend the shelf-life of sausage in CEO samples (Kim, Kim, & Ahn, 2013;Phanthong, Lomarat, Chomnawang, & Bunyapraphatsara, 2013;Stefanini, Figueiredo, Ming, & Junior, 2004).…”

Antimicrobial Properties of Methanolic Extract of Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum) Seeds

“…Cumin is known for its carminative, stimulant, diuretic, emmanogogic, antispasmodic and astringent properties. The aqueous extract of cumin is reported to inhibit the growth of many pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus 8 , Salmonella species 9 , Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus niger 10 . Composition, concentration of the constituents and extraction procedure are some factors which affect the efficiency of the extract.…”