Activité Antimicrobienne Des Huiles Végétales Issues Des Plantes Aromatiques Vendues En Herboristerie

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants represent a significant source of biologically active secondary metabolites. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of various plant extracts commercially available in herbal medicine stores. The research was conducted in two complementary phases. First, a survey was carried out in herbal shops and among the local population of Mila Province to identify the most sold medicinal plant preparations and their traditional uses by consumers. Based on this preliminary investigation, six widely used plant extracts (eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, wormwood, rosemary, and thyme) along with clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) were selected for experimental analysis. The second phase involved standardized in vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus sp. using the aromatogram method. Results demonstrated marked antibacterial efficacy for peppermint, thyme, and lavender extracts, as well as clove essential oil (inhibition zones: 8–48 mm). These outcomes were significantly stronger than those observed for rosemary, eucalyptus, and wormwood, providing partial validation of their traditional therapeutic applications.