Essential Oils from Indigenous Iranian Plants: A Natural Weapon vs. Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli

Abstract

Aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of herbal plant essential oils (EOs) from selected Iranian plant species such as Ferulago angulata, Zataria multiflora, Cuminum cyminum, and Mentha longifolia against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. For this purpose, the Escherichia coli strains, isolated from raw cow’s milk and local dairy products (yogurt, cream, whey, cheese, and confectionery products) collected from different areas of Hamedan province, Iran, were investigated for their resistance to antibiotics (i.e., streptomycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and cefixime). Thus, the E. coli strains were tested for their susceptibility to the above-mentioned essential oils. Regarding antibiotics, the E. coli strains were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin. In relation to essential oils, the most effective antibacterial activity was observed with Zataria multiflora; also, the bacteria were semi-sensitive to Cuminum cyminum and Mentha longifolia essential oils. All strains were resistant to Ferulago angulata essential oil. According to the results, the essential oil of Zataria multiflora can be considered as a practical and alternative antibacterial strategy to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli of dairy origin.

Serogroup and Pathogenicity Island Marker Distributions Among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates in Rasht, Iran

“…In previous studies conducted in Spain (30), Iran (31), and Nepal (32), the percentages of MDR isolates were reported to be 30%, 55.8%, and 70.2%, respectively, which are much less compared to our results. Accordingly, the increase of MDR-Enterobacterales, in particular strains that produce ESBLs, is responsible for a high proportion of nosocomial outbreaks that are linked to higher morbidity and mortality rates (33,34). In this regard, the hierarchical clustering of isolates' antibiotic resistance profiles revealed a partial similarity in most UPEC isolates to the antibiotic-resistant pattern.…”

Occurrence, Risk Implications, Prevention and Control of CIT in Monascus Cheese: A Review

“…In particular, the use of plant essential oils limits or prevents the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, 117,118 and synergistic interactions in essential oils can lower the quantity and cost of addition, while maintaining antibacterial benefits. 119−121 Similar to essential oils, various plant extracts have demonstrated excellent antibacterial and CIT-inhibiting properties.…”

Microbial Biocontrol in the Agri-Food Industry

“…Promising results have indicated that yeast strains belonging to Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Aureobasidium pullulans exhibited the ability to contain the development of B. cinerea , while among lactic acid bacteria some strains belonging to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species exerted a strong antagonism against B. cinerea . The antimicrobial activity of essential oils from indigenous Iranian plants was assayed against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains [ 6 ]. The results indicated that the essential oil of Zataria multiflora can be used as a practical and alternative antibacterial strategy to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains.…”