Abstract
This study investigated the potential efficacy of 369 commercial essential oil combinations for antimicrobial, anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory activity with the aim of identifying synergy among essential oils commonly used in combination by aromatherapists for respiratory purposes. Essential oil combinations were assessed for their antimicrobial activities using a panel of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast strains associated with respiratory tract infections. The antimicrobial activity was measured by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of microbial growth. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) was calculated to determine the antimicrobial interactions between the essential oils in the combination. The toxicity of the essential oil combinations was tested in vitro using the brine shrimp lethality assay, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells and A549 lung cancer cell lines. In addition, an inflammatory response was evaluated measuring nitric oxide production. The essential oils, when in combination, demonstrated an increased antimicrobial effect, a reduction in toxicity and provided improved anti-inflammatory outcomes. Five distinct combinations [Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) in combination with Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) in combination with Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Origanum marjorana (marjoram) in combination with M. alternifolia, Myrtus communis (myrtle) in combination with M. alternifolia and Origanum vulgare (origanum) in combination with M. alternifolia] were found to be the most promising, demonstrating antimicrobial activity, reduced cytotoxicity and improved anti-inflammatory effects. With the increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections and the growing antimicrobial resistance development associated with antimicrobial treatments, this study provides a promising complementary alternative for the appropriate use of a selection of essential oil combinations for use in the respiratory tract.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance, partly a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, has been continuously recorded globally and is considered one of the greatest challenges to global public health [1]
Essential oils are predominantly used in multiple combinations, as aromatherapy is based on the practice of combining multiple essential oils to achieve an enhanced therapeutic effect [13]
The methods undertaken in this study aim to determine the best essential oil combination for use in the respiratory tract
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance, partly a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, has been continuously recorded globally and is considered one of the greatest challenges to global public health [1]. Essential oils are comprised of volatile, aromatic and complex chemical compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, phenols and terpenes These essential oils are distilled from plant parts and commonly employed in aromatherapy. Insights into the use of complementary and alternative therapies, including aromatherapy, within developed countries has identified that $25 billion is spent annually by people actively seeking CAM treatments to prevent or treat ongoing infections [14]. This growth in the use of CAM treatments requires an equal growth in research for the evaluation of these products and practices for quality, safety and efficacy
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