In vitro study of antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Origanum vulgare against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922

INTRODUCTION: Essential oils are aromatic and volatile liquids, extracted from different plant parts with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and biological properties. For example, the essential oil of oregano presents antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of two (for external and internal use) commercial essential oils of Origanum vulgare against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Medical College, Varna, Bulgaria. The antimicrobial activity of oregano essential oils was determined by the use of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test.RESULTS: Antimicrobial activity of oregano essential oils (for external and internal use) was efficient in the control of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. This inhibitory effect was observed by the inhibitory diameters above 21 mm.CONCLUSION: The future evaluation of natural essential oils with a relatively high in vitro activity could be researched in the treatment of various infectious diseases.