Antibacterial activity of essential oils from plants of the genus Origanum

In this study, three plant species, members of the family of Lamiaceae and the genus Origanum, namely, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Origanum onites L., and Origanum marjorana L. were studied for their chemical composition and antibacterial activity. Essential oils of these plants were received by means of micro-steam distillation and their components were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–EIMS). The major components identified in all three species are carvacrol and thymol. The oils were assayed as potential food control antimicrobial agents. In vitro studies showed that the essential oils showed strong antimicrobial activity against 5 bacterial and 1 yeast strains. •Essential oil component analysis of Origanum vulgare, Origanum onites and Origanum marjorana.•Determination of antimicrobial activity of Origanum essential oils.•Potential of Origanum essential oils in use as food preservatives.