title: Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of Olive Leaf Extract Against Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens.
abstract: Olive leaf extract (OLE) has been used traditionally as a herbal supplement since it contains polyphenolic compounds with beneficial properties ranging from increasing energy levels, lowering blood pressure, and supporting the cardiovascular and immune systems. In addition to the beneficial effects on human health, OLE also has antimicrobial properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of OLE against major foodborne pathogens, includingListeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coliO157:H7, andSalmonellaEnteritidis. Our results demonstrated that at a concentration of 62.5 mg/ml, OLE almost completely inhibited the growth of these three pathogens. In addition, OLE also reduced cell motility inL. monocytogenes, which correlated with the absence of flagella as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, OLE inhibited biofilm formation inL. monocytogenesandS. Enteritidis. Taken together, OLE, as a natural product, has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial to control foodborne pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor PA, USA.
authors.forename: Yanhong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor PA, USA.
authors.forename: Lindsay C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: McKeever
authors.affiliation: Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor PA, USA.
authors.forename: Nasir S A
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Malik
keywords: L. monocytogenes; bacterial growth inhibition; biofilm formation; natural antimicrobials; olive leaf extract