Antimicrobial activity of some promising plant oils, molecules and formulations

Plant oils and oil components were screened in vitro for antibacterial and antifungal activity by disc diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of oils (% v/v) against bacteria and fungi were determined by agar dilution method. Results showed that potential antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by geranium oil, geraniol, and terpineol. These oils and oil components were active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria pathogens. Antifungal activity was also observed against dermatophytes, yeasts and Aspergillus species. Antimicrobial formulations containing geranium oil, geraniol and terpineol showed strong antibacterial and antifungal activity.