title: Screening of antibacterial effects of anise essential oil alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics against Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to investigate the effects of anise essential oil alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin) against Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates. MATERIAL AND METHODs: Anise essential oil (AEO) was isolated by hydrodistillation from dried powdered fruits. Its chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS and GC-FID. Broth dilution assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of anise essential oil. The interactions with antibiotics were studied by the checkerboard assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trans-anethole (90.18%) was identified as major constituent in anise essential oil. Almost all combinations AEO-amoxicillin and AEO-ciprofloxacin showed indifferent interactions (1 < FIC index < or = 2). Positive interactions (addition and weak synergism) were found only for four combinations AEO-amoxicillin (FIC index = 1,0.62, 0.75 and 0.5) and one combination AEO-ciprofloxacin (FIC index = 0.62).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Herbal products containing anise essential oil may be used as expectorants in combination with amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections without diminishing antibiotic efficacy.
authors: Adina Catinca
authors: AC
authors: Gradinaru
authors: Anca
authors: A
authors: Miron
authors: Adriana
authors: A
authors: Trifan
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Spac
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Brebu
authors: Ana Clara
authors: AC
authors: Aprotosoaie
mesh_terms: D000081248:Allylbenzene Derivatives; D000840:Anisoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005100:Expectorants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028042:Pimpinella; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000081248:Allylbenzene Derivatives; D000840:Anisoles; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005100:Expectorants; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D009822:Oils, Volatile; C006578:anethole