The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Juniperus communis L. essential oil against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, offering new insights into potential approaches to combat infectious diseases, particularly in light of the growing global issue of antibiotic resistance. The microorganisms included in this study were Aspergillus niger, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus (syn. Sarcina lutea), and Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion method, with juniper essential oil (lot 232413, purchased from doTerra International) as the test substance. Ampicillin was used as the control for bacterial strains, while nystatin served as the control for fungal strains. The effectiveness of the treatments was determined by measuring the diameters of the inhibition zones, reported in millimeters. The findings revealed that juniper essential oil exhibited a strong antifungal effect on Aspergillus niger (20.33 mm) and notable antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus (22.66 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (17.33 mm). However, it was less effective against gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli (7 mm), which also showed resistance to ampicillin. Additionally, Candida albicans demonstrated complete resistance to both the essential oil and the antifungal nystatin (0 mm). In conclusion, juniper essential oil shows promising antibacterial and antifungal potential, although its efficacy depends on the specific microorganisms tested.

essential oil, Juniperus communis, antibacterial effect, antifungal effect, antibiotic resistance

biology

Presentation: poster