Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Antioxidants

Abstract

Tripticase soy broth containing 100, 150, 200 and 400 ppm of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), or combined BHA and propyl gallate was inoculated with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus to determine the antimicrobial effect of these antioxidants. Both propyl gallate and NDGA at 400 ppm had a strong lethal effect against E. coli. BHA and the BHA-propyl gallate combination were more effective against S. aureus than against E. coli. NDGA had the strongest antimicrobial activity. Only 50 ppm of NDGA were highly inhibitory to S. aureus.