The Potential of Selected Essential Oils in Combating Enterococcus Faecalis
Abstract:
Background: Enterococcus faecalis represents a significant clinical challenge as an etiological agent of endodon tic infections, characterized by high resistance to conventional antibacterial agents and the ability to form biofilms [1-4]. Growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics has led to investigations on essential oils as potential therapeutic agents [5-9].
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial potential of selected essential oils against E. faecalis, with particular emphasis on marjoram, eucalyptus, cananga, Ylang-Ylang, caraway, clementine, and Pe titgrain oils.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using the disk diffusion method according to Janusz Borysiewicz on an E. faecalis strain [10]. Essential oil samples at a concentration of 20% were prepared by diluting them in a Tween 80–water mixture. Next, the disks were applied onto Petri dishes containing a prepared medium with a pH of 7 ± 0.2, which consisted of enzymatic casein hydrolysate, yeast extract, dextrose, and agar, and then inoculated with E. faecalis. The plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37 °C, and measurements were taken after 24 and 48 hours.
Results: The study demonstrated variable antibacterial activities among the tested essential oils. The 20% Petit grain oil solution showed the highest efficacy, achieving an inhibition zone diameter of 7.5 mm after 48 hours. This was followed by Cananga oil (4.5 mm), Ylang-Ylang oil (2 mm), and eucalyptus oil (1.5 mm). Marjoram and clem entine oils exhibited no antibacterial activity. After 24 hours of incubation, the greatest activity was observed for marjoram oil (22.5 mm) and Petitgrain oil (20.5 mm), suggesting strong effects of phenolic and terpenoid alcohol compounds such as thymol and linalool [11].
Conclusions: Some of the selected essential oils demonstrate promising potential as alternative antibacterial agents against E. faecalis. Further research to optimize their composition and elucidate their mechanisms of action may contribute to development of new therapeutic strategies for infections caused by this pathogen [12]. Additionally, these oils could serve as alternatives to antibiotic therapy.
