Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil against Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 11827

Abstract

The sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil has antibacterial power against bacteria. The objective of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical components, antibacterial properties of essential oil of sweet basil leaves against Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). The research was started by performing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Followed by determining antibacterial activity of solutions which contained 4 % v/v, 6 % v/v, 8 % v/v, and 10 % v/v of sweet basil leaves essential oil using disc diffusion method. The MIC was assessed using the pour plate method. Lastly, the MBC was assessed using the streak plate method. The results revealed that the major components of essential oil of sweet basil leaves namely neral, citral, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, linalool, and germacrene-d. Furthermore, it showed antibacterial activity against C. acnes growth. The MIC and MBC values were 2 % v/v and 3.5 % v/v respectively.