review on recent research results (2008–2010) on essential oils as antimicrobials and antifungals. A review

• Published in: Flavour and fragrance journal Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 13 - 39
• Main Authors: Lang, Gudrun, Buchbauer, Gerhard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 2012; Wiley
• Subjects: anti-infective properties; antibacterial activity; antibiotics; antifungal activity; antifungal agents; antimicrobial activity; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical industry and chemicals; drugs; essential oils; Essential oils, perfumes; Exact sciences and technology; food industry; food preservatives; General pharmacology; in vitro tests to assess antimicrobial activity; Medical sciences; microorganisms; pathogens; Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; therapeutics; Washing products. Cosmetics and toiletries. Perfumes; yeasts; antibacterial activity; Pharmacognosy; in vitro tests to assess antimicrobial activity; yeasts; Review; antimicrobial activity; In vitro; antifungal activity; Biological activity; Antimicrobial agent; Antifungal agent; Essential oil; Antibacterial agent; essential oils
• ISSN: 0882-5734; 1099-1026
• DOI: 10.1002/ffj.2082

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils is discussed in this review taking in account studies which were published in the period of time from 2008 until September 2010. Furthermore, the most important methods to examine the antimicrobial efficiency of essential oils are presented. The studies are divided into the following two groups, namely antibacterial and antifungal active agents depending on the activity of the applied essential oil against the test microorganisms. Various interesting possible applications are revealed such as the use of essential oils instead of synthetic drugs to circumvent the increasing resistance of some pathogens. Moreover, they could not only be used for the therapy of infectious illnesses, but also as preservatives in the food industry. A further possibility is, among others, the application of essential oils in skin products in order to treat or avoid dermal infections. Additionally, the prevalent constituents of the individual antimicrobial active essential oils are elaborated.