Antimicrobial Activity ofSatureja HortensisL. Essential Oil Against Pathogenic Microbial Strains

A hydrodistilled oil of Satureja hortensis L. was investigated for its antimicrobial activity against a panel of 11 bacterial and three fungal strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined using disk-diffusion method and broth microdilution method. Essential oil of S. hortensis L. showed significant activity against wide spectrum of Gram (-) bacteria (MIC/MBC=0.025–0.78/0.05–0.78 μl/ml) and Gram (+) bacteria (MIC/MBC=0.05–0.39/0.05–0.78 μl/ml), as well as against fungal strains (MIC/MBC=0.20/0.78 μl/ml). Therefore, the present results indicate that this oil can be used in food conservation, treatment of different deseases of humans, and also for the treatment of the plants infected by phytopathogens.