Antimicrobial Effects Of Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis L.) Essential Oil Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Background: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a medicinal plant with high antimicrobial properties. The present survey was aimed to assess the antimicrobial effects of M. officinalis essential oil against pathogenic bacteria. Methods: The M. officinalis aerial parts were prepared and, after approval by experts, dried and powdered and used to prepare the essential oil. The diameter of the growth inhibition zones of bacteria was assessed using disk diffusion. Findings: Dose-dependent antimicrobial effect was reported. The highest diameters of the growth inhibition zones of P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, and A. baumannii bacteria were obtained against 4 mg/ml M. officinalis essential oil (14.21±0.74 mm), 4 mg/ml M. officinalis essential oil (13.38±0.36 mm), imipenem (14.61±0.29 mm), and imipenem (10.01±0.31 mm), respectively. Conclusion: Considering the high diameter of the growth inhibition zone of 4 mg/mL M. officinalis essential oil compared to antibiotic agents, it can be used as an economical source of antimicrobials.