Essential oils in ocular pathology: an experimental study

Authors

  • Sara Cannas University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
  • Donatella Usai University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
  • Antonio Pinna University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
  • Stefania Benvenuti University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
  • Roberta Tardugno University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
  • Matthew Donadu University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
  • Stefania Zanetti University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
  • Jayaraman Kaliamurthy Joseph Eye Hospital, Tiruchirapalli, India
  • Paola Molicotti University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.6842

Keywords:

essential oils, cytotoxicity, bacteria

Abstract

Introduction: The antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) has been known for ages; in particular, the EOs of Melaleuca alternifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha piperita, and Rosmarinus officinalis have been used for the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections.

Methodology: This study focused on the in vitro cytotoxicity to normal human conjunctiva cells and antimicrobial activity of 20 EOs.

Results: The oils tested showed no cytotoxic effect at very low concentrations. Rosmarinus officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Thymus vulgaris L. red thyme geraniol sel oils had good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains.

Conclusions: The results of this study are of great interest and may have a major impact on public health, providing useful tips to optimize the therapeutic use of some natural drugs.

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Published

2015-07-04

How to Cite

1.
Cannas S, Usai D, Pinna A, Benvenuti S, Tardugno R, Donadu M, Zanetti S, Kaliamurthy J, Molicotti P (2015) Essential oils in ocular pathology: an experimental study. J Infect Dev Ctries 9:650–654. doi: 10.3855/jidc.6842

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Section

Original Articles