Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on the Behavior of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Salted Fish

Abstract

Background: Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current food borne intoxications. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on V. parahaemolyticus in salted (8% Nacl in tissue) silver carp. Methods: Effect of different concentrations of this Essential oil (0.0%, 0.045%, 0.135%, 0.405%, 0.810 %) on behavior of V. parahaemolyticus in two temperatures (15, 25˚C) was determined by evaluation of the bacterial growth in salted fish fillets. Results: The essential oil in used concentrations had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of V. parahaemolyticus in salted fish compare with control treatment during the storage time (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between all treatments. Conclusion: The results showed that Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil had inhibitory effect on V. parahaemolyticus, therefore it can be considered as a natural preservative in salted fish.

Keywords

• zataria multiflora boiss.
• essential oil
• vibrio parahaemolyticus
• salted fish