The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model

Abstract

Patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender essential oils and Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) were used singly and in combination to assess their anti-bacterial activity against three strains of Staphylococcus aureus: Oxford S. aureus NCTC 6571 (Oxford strain), Epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (EMRSA 15) and MRSA (untypable). The individual essential oils, extracts and combinations were impregnated into filter paper discs and placed on the surface of agar plates, pre-seeded with the appropriate strain of Staphylococcus. The effects of the vapours of the oils and oil combinations were also assessed using impregnated filter paper discs that were placed on the underside of the Petri dish lid at a distance of 8mm from the bacteria. The most inhibitory combinations of oils for each strain were used in a dressing model constructed using a four layers of dressings: the primary layer consisted of either Jelonet or TelfaClear with or without Flamazine; the second was a layer of gauze, the third a layer of Gamgee and the final layer was Crepe bandage. The oil combinations were placed in either the gauze or the Gamgee layer. This four-layered dressing was placed over the seeded agar plate, incubated for 24h at 37 degrees C and the zones of inhibition measured. All experiments were repeated on three separate occasions. No anti-bacterial effects were observed when Flamazine was smeared on the gauze in the dressing model. When Telfaclear was used as the primary layer in the dressing model compared to Jelonet, greater zones of inhibition were observed. A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils and essential oil vapours as antibacterial agents and for use in the treatment of MRSA infection.

Alginate–lavender nanofibers with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity to effectively promote burn healing

“…The obtained results are in agreement with a previous study of Edwards-Jones et al, where the antibacterial activity of pure LO against S. aureus has been demonstrated by detecting inhibition zones of approximately 20 mm in diameter. 36 The main components of LO, linalool and linalyl acetate, are responsible for the antibacterial properties of this essential oil, 50,51, 52 with linalool being more effective than linalyl acetate. 52 Furthermore, LO contains terpinen-4-ol that, like linalool, exhibits antimicrobial activity.…”

“…32,33 Moreover, LO possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, 28,34,35 pointing out its efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus that is the bacterium mostly responsible for burn wound infections. 36 Electrospun nanofibers of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) containing lavender oil have been recently developed for antibacterial and drug delivery applications. 37 Although both inorganic and organic antiseptic agents have shown a certain degree of success for various medical applications, the use of all-natural medicinal extracts, such as LO, can further boost pharmaceutical applications and improve patient recovery and quality of life.…”

Conquering methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: perspectives and treatment options

“…Aconitum is proven to be helpful in all kinds of infection including MRSA. In homeopathic doses, belladonna remedy (extremely small doses) is also used to cure the red skin, often associated with the infections [27].…”

LIQUID AND VAPOUR PHASE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF <i>EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS</i> ESSENTIAL OIL = SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SELECTED RESPIRATORY TRACT PATHOGENS

“…are exposed to a citrus EO vapour, morphological changes also happen, mutually with an raise in cell permeability, loss of intracellular ATP and a reduce in intracellular pH (Fisher and Phillips, 2009). When bacteria were exposed to the vapours of EO, the inhibitory actions were obviously diverse from those established by direct contact (Edwards-Jones et al, 2004). A study carried out by (Goni et al, 2009) revealed that inhibitory effect of mixture of clove and cinnamon EO in vapour phase showed superior antibacterial with fewer active concentrations in the vapor phase compared to liquid phase.…”