Investigation of Chemical Compounds and Anti-microbial Activity of Essential Oil of Melissa officinalis L.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Increased resistance of bacteria to antibacterial agents is one of the most important problem in medicine. Place of medicinal plants in the country's traditional medicine as well as available rich herbal resources on the one hand and the problems exist in the treatment of infections caused by resistant bacterial strains on the other hand, is a reason for closer investigation of medicinal plants. Some herbal essential oils, including ( Melissa officinalis L.) from Labiatae ( Lamiaceae ) family have antimicrobial effects and can be used as antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections. This study was performed to determine the compounds and antimicrobial effects of essential oil from Melissa officinalis L. Methods: In this experimental study, ( Melissa officinalis L. ) was collected from Qom province. Then, the compounds of the essential oil were analyzed using GC/MS apparatus. The diameter of inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined using disk diffusion and dilution liquid medium methods against strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans . Results: In this study, caryophyllene oxide was the major compound of the essential oil. Essential oil at the concentration of 20µg/ml had an inhibitory effect against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeroginosa, but had no effect on C. albicans . Conclusion : According to the results of this study, the essential oil of this plant has a significant inhibitory effect on growth of pathogenic bacteria, especially gram positive ones. Therefore, further researches are required for clinical application of the essential oil.

Keywords

• melissa
• oils
• volatile
• anti-infective agents
• antimicrobial activity