پزشکی بالینی ابن سینا (Mar 2003)
Comparison of Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils of Thymus x-Porlock and Ampicillin In-Vitro
Abstract
Many plants play important role in pharmaceutical, food, medicine and cosmetic industries for their volatile oils. Numerous studies have been carried out on various plant species and effect of their essential oils or extracts on microorganisms. In the present study antibacterial effect of Iranian thyme on two pathogens of E.coli and S.aureus, is reported for the first time. Antibacterial property of thyme oil is compared with that of ampicillim. Essential oil of Thymus x-porlock was extracted by steam distillation and its antimicrobial effects on E.coli and S. aureus were studied. Disc diffusion method was conducted to evaluate the zone of microbial growth inhibition. The antibacterial effect was also studied against three different concentrations of microbial suspension to find out MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration).The results were compared with those of ampicillin. Fresh oil from Thymus x-porlock at 1/16 and 1/8 dilutions inhibited E.coli and S.aureus growth with 17mm and 22mm microbial growth inhibition zones respectively. Ampicillin at 4 mg/ml concentration was bactericidal against E.coli showing 11mm zone of microbial growth inhibition. Ampicillin was bactericidal against S.aureus at 6mg/ml concentration with 23mm growth inhibition zone. The essential oil of thyme showed a very good bactericidal activity within shorter time than that of ampicillin.
