Antibacterial effects of Myristica fragrans, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Syzygium aromaticum, and Zingiber officinale Rosci essential oils, alone and in combination with nisin on Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

Plant essential oils and their components are perceived to exhibit antimicrobial activities. In this study the antibacterial effects of essential oil extracted from Myristica fragrans, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Syzygium aromaticum, and Zingiber officinale Rosci, alone and in combination with nisin, were evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes in brain heart infusion broth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) with essential oils and pH values (5, 6, and 7), alone and in combination with nicin (5 μg ml−1), were determined. The individual essential oils all showed antibacterial effects against this bacterium. Combination of essential oils and nisin showed synergetic effects such that when the essential oils were utilized in combination with nisin, MIC and MBC decreased. By decreasing pH, these antibacterial effects were increased.