Antimicrobial activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.): And basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Extracts

Abstract

The commercial samples of aerial parts of Origanum vulgare L. and Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) were tested for antimicrobial activity. The activity of the extracts with different polarity was tested against a panel of microorganisms, including laboratory strain Helicobacter pylori NCTC 12868. The tested extracts showed a moderate activity. The extracts of O. vulgare were more active against bacteria, especially against Gram positive bacteria with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) between 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, than the extracts of O. basilicum which were active against Candida albicans (MIC 125 μg/mL). Cyclohexane extract of O. vulgare did not show any activity against tested H. pylori, while all other tested extracts were active with MICs between 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL. Identified and quantified rosmarinic acid and other polar compounds could be active antibacterial compounds in these spices.