Chemical Characterization of the Essential Oil of Syzygium Aromaticum and its Antimicrobial Activity Against A Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Eugenol is the main constituent of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil. It is liquid and oily in consistency, light yellow, with a characteristic aroma, slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. In addition, it is considered an essential oil of high antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant capability. Studies related to its effect on probiotic bacteria are scanty. The objective of this research was to determine the chemical composition of clove essential oil and the antimicrobial influence of clove extract from clove on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophillus. Among the main constituents in clove essential oil, eugenol stands out with 79.47%, β- cariophilene with 7.67% and α-humulene with 2.65%. L. acidophilus was inoculated in MRS Sorbitol agar containing 0%, 0.1, 0.50, 1, 2 and 3% essential oil and incubated for 0, 24 and 48 h. Pour plates were incubated anaerobically at 35°C ± 1°C for 48 h. A colony counter was used to enumerate bacteria. The clove extract showed an inhibitory effect against L. acidophillus from concentrations greater than 1%, but at concentration less than 1% essential oil did not adversely influence growth of L. acidophilus. The inoculation time at 0 h showed significantly highest counts compared to 24 h and 48 h which had counts not significantly different from each other. Although counts were lowered, L acidophilus survived the 48 h exposure. Clove essential oil use and L. acidophilus probiotic benefit can both be had when essential is used at less than 1%.