An in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the non-volatile phenolic fraction from rosemary leaves

Abstract

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of the non-volatile phenols of rosemary leaves against two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis). Three extracts with different phenolic compositions were tested. By the agar disc diffusion method, Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the extracts, and S. epidermidis showed the highest inhibition zones. Overall, all the extracts tested by the broth dilution method showed higher activity than results from the agar disc diffusion method. The minimal bactericidal concentration values indicated that E. coli was the most susceptible strain. This study demonstrated that the flavonoidic fraction of rosemary leaves does not play a crucial role as antimicrobial agents against these microorganisms. The most active extract was characterised by the highest amount of non-volatile terpenoidic compounds.

Keywords::

• antibacterial activity
• rosmarinic acid
• carnosic acid
• flavonoids
• disc diffusion method
• MBC

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze for supplying a part of the instrumentation used for this research and Dr Sandra Gallori for her support to the graphical aspects.