Combined effect of essential oils from Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. L.M.Perry), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and Lemon peel (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck) on anti-bacterial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities

Essential oils are natural products composed of a mixture of volatile and aromatic compounds extracted from different organs of plants that have been widely studied for their antibacterial activities against pathogens. In this study, clove, lemon peel and thyme essential oils and their mixture were assessed for their antimicrobial activities using a panel of pathogenic Gram-positive, and Gram-negative, strains. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were also evaluated. Lemon peel essential oil was characterized by the predominance of limonene. Eugenol was the main component in clove essential oil and thymol in thyme essential oil. Clove, lemon peel and thyme essential oils and their combination had potent antibacterial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. This study demonstrates that the use of essential oils is an effective alternative for pathogenic bacterial control, alone or in combination with antibiotic therapy.