Study on the effects of origanum majorana essential oil on E.coli and the Chemical constituents of Essential oil

Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae) is well-known for high Phenolic contents. These compounds prone to have antibacterial activity. UTI with high prevalence and increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics is a matter of concern for health services. E.coli is the most detected pathogen in UTI cases(1). So the aim of present study was to investigate the effects on O.majorana essential oil on and E.coli and it’s chemical constituents.  Materials and Methods: Aerial Parts of O.majorana were collected from population growing in Golestan province. A voucher specimen was deposited to the plant species in herbarium of Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The air dried plant material was subjected to hydrodistillation to prepare essential oil. The essential oil kept in refrigerator until use. The essential oil was injected to GC/MS for identification of constituents. The zone of inhibition against E.coli were determined using Agar well diffusion method. Results: Forty-four Compounds were identified in the essential oil. The major compounds were Thymol (18.58%), P-cymen (14.34%), 4-terpineol (13.25%), γ-terpineol (10.88%), α-terpineol (5.63%), linaleol (4.98%) and E.caryophyllene (3.53%), respectively. The zone of O.majorana essential oil against E.coli was. Discussion: The findings of present study shows profound antibacterial effects of O.majorana essential oil on E.coli. the main component of the plant is thymol as detected by GC/MS. Thymol has a phenolic structure. The profound effect of plant on E.coli may be related to Thymol(1). Conclusion: O.majorana essential oil may be a candidate for treatment of UTI

Investigation of the chemical constituents of Thymus vulgaris essential oil and it’s effect on Streptococcus mutans

Thymus Vulgaris  (Lamiaceae) with common name “Thyme” is a well- known plant with different medicinal uses. Dental Caries and Periodontal disease are one of the common bacterial infections in human beings. Streptococcus mutans is the most etiologic agent. Finding natural sources with capability to inhibit the growth of S.mutans is the focus center of most researches. Investigations on the effects of T.vulgaris essential oil on S.mutans and identification of the constituents of the oil were the aims of present study.  Materials and Methods: The plant was collected from the populations growing in Hamadan province and was authenticated in Department of Pharmacognosy, School of pharmacy, Hamadan university of Medical sciences. The aerial parts of the plant were dried in shade and powdered. The essential oil was obtained by Clevenger type apparatus. Oil was subjected for GC/MS. Zone Of Inhibition of the essential oil against S.mutans were determined by Agar well diffusion test.  Results: Forty- one compounds were identified and 4- Terpineol(16.55%) was the main component. ZOI, for thyme essence were 80mm. Thyme essential oil presents considerable anti streptococcus activity.  Discussion: Considering the constituents of essence, 4- Terpineol is an Oxygenated monoterpene with reported antibacterial effects in previous studies. The results of present study may be attributed to presence of 4- Terpineol and it’s synergistic effects with another constituents present in the oil.  Conclusion: T.vulgare essential oil with profound antibacterial activity may be used in oral hygiene products