Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative?

Abstract

Herbs and the essential oils derived from them have been used from the beginning of human history for different purposes. Their beneficial properties have been applied to mask unpleasant odors, attract the attention of other people, add flavor and aroma properties to prepared dishes, perfumes, and cosmetics, etc. Herbs and essential oils (EOs) have also been used in medicine because of their biological properties, such as larvicidal action, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant, fungicide, and antitumor activities, and many more. Many EOs exhibit antimicrobial properties, which is extremely important in fields of science and industry, such as medicine, agriculture, or cosmetology. Among the 250 EOs which are commercially available, about a dozen possess high antimicrobial potential. According to available papers and patents, EOs seem to be a potential alternative to synthetic compounds, especially because of the resistance that has been increasingly developed by pathogenic microorganisms. In this review we summarize the latest research studies about the most-active EOs that are known and used because of their antimicrobial properties. Finally, it is noteworthy that the antimicrobial activities of EOs are not preeminent for all strains. Further investigations should, thus, focus on targeting EOs and microorganisms.

The Effect of Ten Essential Oils on Several Cutaneous Drug-Resistant Microorganisms and Their Cyto/Genotoxic and Antioxidant Properties

“…Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of natural products in medicine. Research has proven that EOs have remarkable antimicrobial potential and are highly effective against bacteria and Candida species [8,15,27]. Several studies have documented that EOs can increase bacterial susceptibility to drugs, even some of the most resistant strains [3,15,28].…”

“…During the past several decades, the occurrence of multiresistant bacteria and fungi poses a serious problem worldwide, making choosing the appropriate treatment for patients affected with skin infections a challenge [6,7]. 2 of 15 Natural products, especially essential oils (EOs), have been suggested as antimicrobial agents [8,9]. EOs are known to possess antimicrobial properties against multiresistant bacteria and fungi, due to a broad spectrum of biocidal activity [10,11].…”

Hypoglycemic and Lipid Lowering Effect of Aqueous Fresh Leaf Extract of Chromolaena Odorata (Linn) in Albino Wistar Rats Fed Different Concentrations of Cholesterol Enriched Diet

“…The reduction in body weight of the test groups of the rats after administration of Chromolaena odorata (linn) fresh leaf extract (Table 4), is justified by Kewuchi et al, 36 who reported a reduction of weight gain produced by the administration of the plant extract. The plant has been reported to be rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes and tannins; and essential oils 16,37,38 . The phytochemical contents of this plant could be responsible for the weight loss in the test animals in this study.…”

Biofunctionalization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

“…EOs are produced by more than 17,500 species of plants from many angiosperm families, e.g., Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Asteraceae [169]. They are synthesized in the cytoplasm and plastids of plant cells, stored in complex secretory structures like glands or resin conduits, and only then presented as drops in the leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, bark and roots of the plants [170]. EOs are mainly composed of terpenes, terpenoids and phenylpropanoids at the levels of 20%-70% but may also contain fatty acids, oxides and sulfur derivatives [171].…”