In vitro antimicrobial activity of some essential oils from Labiatae family

Abstract

Labiatae family is one of the few plant’s families includes numerous genera species that uses as culinary vegetative, herbal medicine and also as great ornamental interest, extensively in planning of parks, gardens and the urban green areas. In present study, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of thirteen essential oils were tested against microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and yeast using disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. The essential oils were extracted from the whole aerial part of plants by hydro distillation method. In disc diffusion assay, Zataria multiflora and Satureja hortensis oils showed the most highly antimicrobial activity (means of Inhibition Zone (IZ) > 20 mm) and Ziziphora tenuir, Ocimum basilicum, Mentha pulegium, Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata exhibited moderate activity (means of IZ >10-20 mm) while Hyssopus officinalis, Zhumeria majdae, Rosmarinus offzcinalis, Lavandula stoechas, Perovskia abrotanoides and Salvia officinalis were least active against the tested organisms (means of IZ >10 mm). In micro broth dilution assay, almost of the MIC values of Z. multiflora and S. hortensis oils were lower than of 1 μl/ml. However, Zataria multiflora, Satureja hortensis and Ziziphora tenuir oils were potent antimicrobial agent than other essential oils. Zataria multiflora oil possesses the most potential bactericidal properties and it can be a good source of antimicrobial agents.