A comprehensive study on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils extracted from medicinal plants
Essential oils derived from aromatic plants have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential antimicrobial properties. Among these, Pogostemon benghalensis and Pogostemon cablin have been traditionally used in various medicinal applications .
A perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, traditionally used for its medicinal properties in treating various ailments.
Commonly known as patchouli, this plant is widely cultivated for its essential oil used in perfumery and traditional medicine.
Research Objective: This study aims to evaluate the microbicidal potential of essential oils extracted from P. benghalensis and P. cablin against various pathogenic microorganisms .
The essential oils were extracted through hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) .
Hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus for 3 hours
The essential oils exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. P. cablin showed stronger inhibitory effects compared to P. benghalensis .
| Microorganism | P. benghalensis MIC (μL/mL) | P. cablin MIC (μL/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus | 12.5 | 6.25 |
| Escherichia coli | 25.0 | 12.5 |
| Candida albicans | 6.25 | 3.12 |
| Aspergillus niger | 12.5 | 6.25 |
The results demonstrate that both essential oils possess significant antimicrobial properties, with P. cablin exhibiting superior activity. This could be attributed to its higher content of patchoulol and other bioactive compounds .
P. cablin showed approximately 2-fold higher antimicrobial activity compared to P. benghalensis .
GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes as major constituents in both oils .
The oils likely disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death .
The essential oils showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with particularly strong effects against fungal strains, suggesting potential applications in antifungal formulations .
This study confirms the significant microbicidal potential of essential oils from Pogostemon benghalensis and P. cablin. The results support their traditional use in medicinal applications and suggest potential for development as natural antimicrobial agents .