Antimicrobial potential of Rosmarinus officinalis commercial essential oil in the treatment of vaginal infections in pregnant women

Abstract

Treating inflammatory conditions such as vaginosis, vaginitis, and vulvovaginitis in pregnancy is a special problem due to limitations of available drugs. However, possible treatment options can be found also in naturally originated products, such as essential oils (EOs) of different plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial and toxic activities of the commercial EO of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) against five Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and two Candida strains obtained from pregnant women with vaginal infection. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the tested EO revealed oxygenated monoterpenes to be the major ingredients, while microdilution assay showed the highest activity on Staphylococcus aureus II strain at 6.2 mg/mL. After 24 hours, toxicity was determined at 19.4 mg/mL on Artemia salina nauplii. The obtained results show this EO to be a promising alternative therapy for vaginal infections, although further toxicity and safety research is required.