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Abstract

Preservatives are added to pharmaceuticals to ensure safety and shelf life. A number of Essential oil components are identified as effective antimicrobials. The antimicrobial activity is assessed of pure oils. Oils were evaluated based on Refractive index, Specific gravity and Antimicrobial activity. In present study Syrups were prepared using Peppermint, Rose and Orange oils in different concentrations and antimicrobial activity was determined by using same syrups and compared with antimicrobial activity of pure oils determined by using same concentrations as used in syrups at the end of 7, 14 and 28 days. It was found that pure oils showed higher activity than syrups and only peppermint oil used in concentration of 2% showed antimicrobial activity after 28 days against S. aureus. Syrups containing Rose oil showed activity against E. coli in concentrations of 1% and 2%, against S. aureus only 2% syrup showed activity. All oils were found to be more active against Gram +ve microorganisms than Gram -ve microorganisms.