Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Iranian Medicinal Plants on Gram Negative Organisms

The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of four different medicinal plants (cumin, thyme, mint and fennel) were investigated at different concentrations (0 - 2% v/v) on Escherichia coli, Klebciella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils were evaluated by disc diffusion method. Results indicate tat the essential oils used in this experiment at 1 to 2% were most effective. The most effective oils were thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and peppermint (Mintae piperita). Furthermore, the study suggests that the use of these essential oils can be considered in food preservation.

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