Chemical composition and biological evaluation of essential oils from some Moroccan plants

This study describes the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of the Moroccan plants Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. and Origanum elongatum (Bonnet) Emb. & Maire on biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus strains. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the two essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was determined by the broth microdilution method.  The results showed that essential oils of Thymbra capitata and Origanum elongatum inhibit biofilm formation in biofilm inhibitory concentrations (0.5 and 2% v/v) and eradicate biofilm at biofilm eradication concentrations (1 and> 4% v/v), specific to each essential oil. Values were twofold or fourfold higher than the concentration required to inhibit or eradicate planktonic bacteria growth. The use of essential oils of Thymbra capitata and Origanum elongatum as natural antimicrobial agents may effectively inhibit the growth of biofilms of medical relevance. Results indicated that essential oils of Thymbra capitata and Origanum elongatum might be a potential alternative against Staphylococcus resistant strains.