Antibacterial activity of essential oils from selected Lauraceae plants

Abstract

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance has encouraged scientific investigation into the potential of natural products as alternative therapies. Essential oils derived from medicinal plants, particularly members of the Lauraceae family, have demonstrated significant antibacterial potential. This study aimed to analyze and compare the antibacterial properties of essential oils from Cinnamomum verum, Laurus nobilis, and Persea americana against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Microscopic and histochemical methods were used to analyze plant morphology and locate essential oil reservoirs. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed to determine chemical profiles. The oils were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the agar disk diffusion method according to EUCAST and CLSI standards. Results showed that C. verum essential oil demonstrated the most pronounced antibacterial effect, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings support the use of Lauraceae essential oils as natural antibacterial agents in pharmaceutical and hygienic formulations.