In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of herbal combinations of Rosemarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Mentha piperita (peppermint)

Abstract

Herbal products are of interest to many patients and health care practitioners as about 70% of population worldwide rely on herbal medicines for part of their primary health care. When herbs are used in combination, the effects can be complicated as various interactions can occur among the individual components. The most desirable interactions are those which can result in additional therapeutic benefit. The present study aims at investigating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of herbal combination of Rosemary and Mint extracts. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties of different herbal combinations. Our results demonstrated the antioxidant potential of herbal combination of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosmary:Mint::70:30 was highest and Rosemary:Mint::10:90 was lowest. Similarly antibacterial effect was maximally exhibited by Rosemary:Mint::70:30 combination and minimally exhibited by Rosemary:Mint::10:90 using two Gram positive and Gram negative strains. Our results suggested that hydroalcoholic extracts of Rosemary:Mint in the ratio of 70:30 had highest antioxidant potential and antibacterial property. Hence this combination is best suited for further analysis.