Chemical composition and biological evaluation of essential oils from some Moroccan plants

Abstract

<p class="Mabstract">This study describes the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of the Moroccan plants <em>Thymbra capitata</em> (L.) Cav. and <em>Origanum elongatum</em> (Bonnet) Emb. & Maire on biofilms of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> strains. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the two essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was determined by the broth microdilution method. The results showed that essential oils of <em>Thymbra capitata</em> and <em>Origanum elongatum</em> inhibit biofilm formation in biofilm inhibitory concentrations (0.5 and 2% v/v) and eradicate biofilm at biofilm eradication concentrations (1 and> 4% v/v), specific to each essential oil. Values were twofold or fourfold higher than the concentration required to inhibit or eradicate planktonic bacteria growth. The use of essential oils of <em>Thymbra capitata</em> and <em>Origanum elongatum</em> as natural antimicrobial agents may effectively inhibit the growth of biofilms of medical relevance. Results indicated that essential oils of <em>Thymbra capitata</em> and <em>Origanum elongatum</em> might be a potential alternative against Staphylococcus resistant strains.</p>