Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nosocomial pathogen that often develops multidrug resistance. Treating P. aeruginosa infection can be difficult, high cost with high mortality rate. Novel treatment is needed to handle this common clinically encountered issue. Recent research has suggested that Essential Oils (EOs) have the potential to act as antibiotics on P. aeruginosa by inhibiting the formation of biofilms and the functions of efflux pumps. Because of lower cost, EOs have huge potential for developing countries and underdeveloped area. Innovative therapeutic technologies, such as nano-encapsulation of EOs, have been utilized to enhance EOs’ effectiveness. This review summarizes the mechanisms of EOs in P. aeruginosa treatments, the current application of EOs, and future developments of EOs in and beyond clinical practice.