Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Essential Oils against Bacteria

Essential oils are volatile, natural, complex compounds that are produced by plants as secondary metabolites for protection against bacteria, viruses, fungi and pests. In the present study, an attempt has been planned to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Percentage Growth Inhibition of Essential oils against bacterial pathogens. From this present research, we concluded that the Essential oils are the good source for the inhibition of growth of bacterial pathogens. It was also concluded that the Essential oils also have the capacity of inhibiting the bacteria in low concentration (25 µl/L) itself. Mahualongif oil has the capacity of inhibiting the growth of Gram positive rod Bacillus cereus and Gram positive cocci Staphylococcus aureus. Pungam oil has the capacity of inhibiting the water borne coliform Escherichia coli. Neem oil has the capacity of inhibiting the Typhoid casing bacteria Salmonella typhi and Swarming motility showing bacteria Proteus mirabilis. Finally, it was concluded that the Essential oils are the best source for treating the bacterial diseases in human beings.