ABSTRACT
In order to evaluate the synergistic action of essential oils (EO) on the antifungal activity of honey, a comparative method of adding honey with and without EO to culture media was used. One variety of honey and five EO types were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against two clinical isolates of microfungi; namely Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. In a second step, lower concentrations of honey than the MIC were mixed with a set of sub-MIC of EO and then added to media to determine the minimum synergistic inhibitory concentration (MSIC). The MIC of honey without EO was 47% (v ⁄ v) against A. niger and 50% (v ⁄ v) against A. flavus. The MIC of EO varied strongly from one variety to another one with that of Eugenia caryophylata being the most effective against the tested Aspergillus species. When the EO was mixed with honey, a MIC drop was observed with each variety of EO. Isobolographic representation shows a synergistic action between honey and all EO types against the tested fungi. Further research studies are needed to elucidate and optimize the effective combination of these natural products in clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The emergence of pathogenic bacterial strains with resistance to commonly used antibiotics has necessitated a search for novel types of antibacterial agents. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic action between honeys and the essential oils (EOs) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). Study Design and Methodology: In the first step, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each honeys and Eos were determined. In the second step, lower concentrations of honey than the MIC were mixed with a set of sub-MIC of EOs and then added to media to determine the minimum synergistic inhibitory concentration (MSIC). Place of Study: Laboratory Research onof Local Animal Products, Ibn-Khaldoun University, Tiaret, Algeria. Results: The results indicated that the essential oils and all varieties of honey were effective against P. aeruginosa. The effectiveness was correlated to the botanical origin of honey and EOs. Wild carrot honey and Origanum vulgaris EOs were the most effective against the tested bacteria with a MIC of 8% and 2% respectively. Adding EOs to honey decreases the MIC values and the isobolographic representation shows a synergistic action between the EOs and all varieties of honey. Conclusion: The current prevalence of antibacterial resistant species has led to a re-evaluation of the therapeutic use of ancient remedies, including honey and EOs, which may receive renewed recognition as wound and burn healers