Sanitation properties of essential oils of some plant species

摘要

Twenty-seven samples of essential oils from 24 species were screened for activity against 9 pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans. The following oils showed antibacterial activity: Mentha piperita, Origanum tytthanthum, O. vulgare, Eucalyptus globulus, Citrus bergamia, C. aurantium (terpeneless), C. aurantium (neroli) and C. paradisi. Allergenic properties were assayed by means of skin tests (by application and scarification). The most hypoallergenic oils were from M. piperita, O. tytthanthum, O. vulgare, E. globulus, C. bergamia and C. aurantium (neroli). In patients and volunteers, inhalation of many of the essential oils resulted in a bronchospastic reaction. C. bergamia oil showed a sanitary effect in air of medical institutions, includingones highly polluted with pathogenic microflora. C. bergamia oil also showed high antibacterial and antifungal activity by inhalation, thus it may be useful for treating candidoses of the mucous membrane and staphylococcus infections.