Antimicrobial Activity of Some Essential Oils and Major Constituents of Essential Oils

Abstract

The screening of the antimicrobial activity of sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, melissa, lavender and thyme essential oils andactive compounds 1.8-cineole, citral, linalyl acetate and thymolwas conducted by a diffusion test against Gram-positiveand Gram-negative bacteria. The most active essential oils,eucalyptus and rosemary oils were tested for the minimal inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC). The activity was more pronounced againstGram-positive bacteria than against Gram-negative bacteriawith MIC ranging from 0.097 mg/ml-0.390 mg/ml, and MBCranging from 0.390 mg/ml-12.5 mg/ml.