Antibacterial effect of essential oil of mastic resin on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium sporogenes

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium sporogenes can produce food poisoning and gastro enteritis in human beings. Alcoholic Essential oil of Bene tree exudates or wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica subsp.kurdica) has known antimicrobial activity against most microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Bene tree essential oil exudates.

In this study, antibacterial effects of alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree exudates on Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC 1431), Escherichia coli (PTCC 1338) and Clostridium sporogenes (PTCC 1651) were examined three times, by filter paper disc diffusion method, broth dilution method, determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). For data analysis we used SPSS software and t-test.

On the basis of statistical results, inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, each with concentration of 50mg/ml and Clostridium sporogenes with concentration of 120 mg/ml bacteria were 13.14±0.32, 11.16±0.4 and 8.8±0.3 respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive and Clostridium sporogenes was the most resistant bacteria to essential oil of Bene. Minimal inhibitory concentrations for Clostridium sporogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 80, 5.5 and 0.6 mg/ml respectively and respective minimal bactericidal concentrations for Clostridium sporogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were determined 120, 80 and 20 mg/ml.

Alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree exudates exhibited not only inhibitory effect but also antibacterial effects on the Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC 1431), Escherichia coli (PTCC 1338) and Clostridium sporogenes (PTCC 1651). Considering the organoleptic effects of alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree, it can be used as a preservative.