Antimicrobial Properties of Ocimum Species: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of ethanol-extracts obtained from . (clove or African basil, Lamiaceae) and (holy basil) against some microorganisms present in oral cavity related to either medical or dental disease. Antimicrobial properties of both ethanol-extracts of species against KPSK2, ATCC 19615, ATCC 16794, and ATCC 10231 were primarily determined by agar disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal or fungicidal concentration (MBC or MFC) of these herbal extracts were further determined by broth micro-dilution method. Ethanol-extracts of and inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms in various degrees ranging from the strongest antimicrobial activity of against [MIC at 0.19% (w/v); MBC at 0.78% (w/v)] to the least inhibitory activity of against [MIC at 12.5% (w/v); undetectable MFC]. The ethanol-extract of showed stronger antimicrobial property against the tested bacteria and fungus than . The ethanol-extracts of both species showed stronger antibacterial than antifungal activity. However, the ethanol-extract of even at a high concentration of 50% (w/v) was unable to eliminate the tested fungus. Ethanol-extracts of species contain effective antibacterial and antifungal properties that may be beneficial for further development of antimicrobial agents in medical and dental fields.