Multidisciplinary Studies of Folk Medicine “Five Thieves’ Oil” (Olejek Pięciu Złodziei) Components

Abstract

To meet the growing interest in natural antibacterial agents, we evaluated the physicochemical and biological properties of the folk medicine known as “five thieves’ oil” (Polish name: olejek pięciu złodziei). Five thieves’ oil consists of a mixture of five oils: rosemary, lemon, clove, eucalyptus, and cinnamon. In this study, we performed gas chromatography, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopic analysis, as well as L-a-b color tests, contact angle determination, and surface tension determination. To verify its antibacterial activity, the metabolic activity and changes in cell membrane permeability of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were studied. As a result, it was found that among the constituent oils, the oils of clove and cinnamon were the least volatile and, at the same time, had the strongest antibacterial activity. However, a mix of all the oils also showed comparable activity, which was even more pronounced for the oils after 4 weeks of aging. This effect can be linked to the high content of terpene derivatives such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, which can cause changes in bacterial membrane permeability, affecting cell activity and survival. This study is the first to characterize the constituents of the popular folk medicine five thieves’ oil, confirming and explaining its strong antibacterial activity, thus constituting a significant contribution to contemporary health education.

Effect of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Supplementation on Probiotic Yoghurt: Physicochemical Properties, Microbial Content, and Sensory Attributes

“…Rosemary oil is used as a food seasoning for food [7]. Rosemary oil has traditionally and largely been used as a medicinal herb with number of properties such as antiinflammatory, analgesic, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, carminative, antifungal, and antioxidant properties [8]. Natural phenolic compounds that have been found in plants and vegetables may decrease the risk of some diseases because of their antioxidant and free-radical inhibition potentials imparted by the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group in their structures [9][10][11].…”

“…Natural phenolic compounds that have been found in plants and vegetables may decrease the risk of some diseases because of their antioxidant and free-radical inhibition potentials imparted by the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group in their structures [9][10][11]. These phenolic compounds are the result of secondary metabolism in plants, and are often utilized with the intention of therapeutic activity due to their pharmacological features [8,9]. More than 8000 phenolic structures have been described, including essential activities in the propagation and development of the plants, wherein they have a significant function as protection specialists against pathogens, parasites, and provide enhancements to the color of plants [12].…”

Using Rosemary Essential Oil as a Potential Natural Preservative during Stirred-like Yogurt Making

“…Essential oil was obtained by the method described by Abdel-Hameed et al (10). A laboratory hot plate (Fisher Scientific, 50 Hz, MA 02454, USA), a five-liter flat-bottom conical flask, and a Clevenger system as condenser and oil collector were used to extract REO.…”

“…Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officialism L.) oil is used as a food seasoning for food [ 9 ]. Rosemary essential oil (REO) has traditionally and largely been used as a medicinal herb, with a number of properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, carminative, antifungal, and antioxidant [ 10 ]. Yogurt is a coagulated milk product obtained by lactic acid fermentation through the action of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus and is a popular product throughout the world [ 11 ].…”

Eco-Friendly Solution Based on Rosmarinus officinalis Hydro-Alcoholic Extract to Prevent Biodeterioration of Cultural Heritage Objects and Buildings

“…This study will address this knowledge gap and will present the in vitro antimicrobial activity of an eco-friendly strategy based on R. officinalis plant extract, against deteriogenic fungal and bacterial strains. R. officinalis is known for its antibacterial, antifungal cytotoxic, anti-rheumatic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, inflammatory, analgesic, astringent carminative, antithrombotic and chemo-preventive properties, which are mediated by different bioactive compounds such as 1,8-cineol, camphor, α-pinene, limonene, camphene, linalool, borneol, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”