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 basili- cum L. (Lamiaceae) were tested for antimicrobial activity. The activity of the extracts with different polarity was tested against a panel of microorganisms, including labo- ratory strain Helicobacter pylori NCTC 12868. The tested extracts showed a moder- ate activity. The extracts of O. vulgare were more active against bacteria, especially against Gram positive bacteria with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) be- tween 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 ros- marinic acid and other polar compounds could be active antibacterial compounds in these spices.