Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: preventive approach against nosocomial infections

Objective: To determine the phytochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Melissa oi cinalis essential oil against bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections.Methods: The phytochemical characterization of essential oil was evaluated using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against four bacterial strains responsible for nosocomial infections: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter koseri using disc dif usion method.Results: Thirty three components were identified representing 89.30% of the total oil composition. The yield of essential oil was 0.4% and the predominant components were citronellal(14.40%), isogeraniol(6.40%), geraniol acetate(10.20%), nerol acetate(5.10%), caryophyllene(8.10%) and β-caryophyllene oxide(11.00%). Antibacterial activity of the oil showed the higher activity against all bacterial strains tested.Conclusions: The essential oil extracted from lemon balm can be used to clean the environment of reanimation polyvalent and anesthesia service.