Synergistic effect of Honey and Thymus ciliatus against pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

The emergence of pathogenic bacterial strains with resistance to commonly used antibiotics has necessitated a search for novel types of antibacterial agents. The main objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activities of the powder of Thymus ciliatus and wild carrot honey when used jointly by the determination of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) against three pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus OxaR ATCC 43300, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The results indicate that the powder of thyme and honey are efficient against the tested strains. Honey MIC values were 10%, 14%, 10% (vol/vol), respectively whereas the MIC values of thyme powder were 0.4%, 2%, 9% (W/vol), respectively. When honey and thyme powder are used jointly, we noticed a decrease of the MIC values which is may be due to their synergistic effect. These preliminary results suggest that honey and thyme could be used together to manage superficial wounds and bacterial infections. © Abdellah et al.