The antimicrobial activity of high-necrodane and other lavender oils on methicillin-sensitive and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of several lavender oils, used singly and in combination, on methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).


METHODS
Four chemically characterized essential oils from Lavandula angustifolia, L. latifolia, L. stoechas, and a necrodane-rich L. luisieri were assessed for their antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method.


RESULTS
All four lavender oils inhibited growth of both MSSA and MRSA by direct contact but not in the vapor phase. Inhibition zones ranged from 8 to 30 mm in diameter at oil doses ranging from 1 to 20 microL, respectively, demonstrating a dose response. At any single dose, the extent of inhibition was very similar irrespective of the chemical composition of the oils or the strain of S. aureus used. Several binary combinations of the oils were tested, and the results showed that the necrodane-rich L. luisieri oil interacted synergistically with L. stoechas (high in 1,8-cineole, fenchone, and camphor) and L. langustifolia (rich in linalool and linalyl acetate) to produce larger inhibition zones than those produced using each oil individually.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that combinations of lavender oils should be investigated further for possible use in antibacterial products.
Roller
Sibel
S
Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Thames Valley University, Brentford, UK. sibel.roller@tvu.ac.uk
Ernest
Nina
N
Buckle
Jane
J
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D027523:Lavandula; D016106:Methicillin Resistance / Q000187:drug effects*; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; C045718:lavender oil