The Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil of Zataria Multiflora Boiss and Satureja Khuzestanica and Their Stability

Introduction: Some plants show antimicrobial activity against wide range of microorganism. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity and stability of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (EO). Materials and methods: First, these plants (Zataria multiflora Boiss and Satureja khuzestanica) were collected, verified by a botanist, dried, and grinded. Then, hydro-distallation method was used, to obtain EO from each one. Their antimicrobial activity of each EO was evaluated by micro dilution broth method. For stability test, the surfaces (stone, MDF, and steel) were cleaned by ۷۰% ethanol, and then separately incubated with each EO. Then, all were dried, and incubated for ۱۲, ۲۴ and ۳۶ hours at room temperature. After incubation, sampling was done, inoculated on nutrient agar. Finally, the number of colonies grown on each plate was counted. Results: The MIC۵۰ of both EO was ۳.۱%. But, the MIC۹۰ of Zataria multiflora Boiss EO against all strains was ۱۲.۵%, except Escherichia coli which was ۶.۲%. Also, the MIC۹۰ of Satureja khuzestanica EO against all strains was ۱۲.۵%, except Aspergillus niger which was ۶.۲%. Both EOs had high stability until ۳۶ hours on the stone and steel. In case of MDF, EOs were stable until ۲۴ hours. No significant difference was observed between stability of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Satureja khuzestanica EO. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Zataria multiflora Boiss and Satureja khuzestanica EO have approximately same antimicrobial activity and stability. Since both EOs have high antimicrobial property, they can be applied to remove microbes from different sources.

Keywords:

Essential oil , Zataria multiflora Boiss , Satureja khuzestanica , Antimicrobial activity , روغن ضروری , آویشن شیرازی , مرزه خوزستانی , خاصیت ضد میکروبی