Quantification of the antibacterial properties ofArtemisia absinthium, A. vulgaris, Chrysanthemum leucanthemumandAchillea millefoliumusing theVibrio fischeribacterial bioassay

Abstract

Extended research has been carried out on the antimicrobial properties of herbs belonging to the family Asteraceae, trying to establish their potential use in natural pest control, in addition to human medicinal applications. For testing and quantifying antibacterial activity, most often standard microbial protocols are used. In this study the aggregate bactericide effect of four species ( Artemisia absinthium L., A. vulgaris L., Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. and Achillea millefolium L.) was screened using the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay. The two Artemisia species which have well-established use as antibacterial, exerted the highest toxicity. Toxicity of Chrysanthemum leucanthemum fell into the same range, although this herb has restricted use in human medicine. On the contrary, Achillea millefolium , which is widely recommended against inflammations, showed significantly lower toxicity.