Antimicrobial activity of juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae)

Acta Pharm. 2005 Dec;55(4):417-22.

Abstract

Juniper essential oil (Juniperi aetheroleum) was obtained from the juniper berry, and the GC/MS analysis showed that the main compounds in the oil were alpha-pinene (29.17%) and beta-pinene (17.84%), sabinene (13.55%), limonene (5.52%), and mircene (0.33%). Juniper essential oil was evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against sixteen bacterial species, seven yeast-like fungi, three yeast and four dermatophyte strains. Juniper essential oil showed similar bactericidal activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species, with MIC values between 8 and 70% (V/V), as well as a strong fungicidal activity against yeasts, yeast-like fungi and dermatophytes, with MIC values below 10% (V/V). The strongest fungicidal activity was recorded against Candida spp. (MIC from 0.78 to 2%, V/V) and dermatophytes (from 0.39 to 2%, V/V).

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Bicyclic Monoterpenes
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds / analysis
  • Fruit
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / growth & development
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / growth & development
  • Juniperus*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Monoterpenes / analysis
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Yeasts / drug effects
  • Yeasts / growth & development

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Bicyclic Monoterpenes
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds
  • Monoterpenes
  • Oils, Volatile
  • beta-pinene
  • sabinene
  • alpha-pinene