Essential Oil from Origanum vulgare Linnaeus: An Alternative Against Microorganisms Responsible for Bad Perspiration Odor

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Origanum vulgare Linnaeus against the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor (Corynebacterium xerosis IAL 105, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 7468, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228) and to develop the formulation of a deodorant containing the essential oil as antimicrobial agent. Method: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the turbidimetric method, by using the microdilution assay. The chemical profile of the essential oil was evaluated by high-resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC). Results: seventeen constituents were identified, being that γ-terpinene (30.5%) and carvacrol (15.7%) were the major components found. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms tested and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.7 to 2.8 mg/mL. Electron microscopies confirmed the morphological alteration in the structure of the bacteria treated with the essential oil as compared to control. The formulation of the deodorant demonstrated bactericidal activity and it was able to cause damage in the morphological structure of the treated bacteria. Conclusion: The essential oil from O. vulgare can be used as a potential natural antimicrobial agent to be applied in personal care products.

Full text

12 Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015
Essential Oil from Origanum vulgare Linnaeus: An
Alternative against Microorganisms responsible for Bad
Perspiration Odour
Suzuki Érika Y1, Soldati Pedro P1, Chaves Maria das Graças A. M2, Raposo
Nádia R. B1*
1NUPICS, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n,
36036-900 Juiz de Fora-MG, Brasil.
2NUPITE, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer,
s/n, 36036-900 Juiz de Fora-MG, Brasil.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Origanum vulgare Linnaeus
against the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor (Corynebacterium xerosis IAL 105, Micrococcus luteus
ATCC 7468, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228) and to develop the formulation
of a deodorant containing the essential oil as antimicrobial agent. Method: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by
means of the turbidimetric method, by using the microdilution assay. The chemical prole of the essential oil was evaluated
by high-resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC). Results: seventeen constituents were identied, being that γ-terpinene
(30.5%) and carvacrol (15.7%) were the major components found. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against
all microorganisms tested and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.7 to 2.8 mg/mL. Electron
microscopies conrmed the morphological alteration in the structure of the bacteria treated with the essential oil as compared
to control. The formulation of the deodorant demonstrated bactericidal activity and it was able to cause damage in the
morphological structure of the treated bacteria. Conclusion: The essential oil from O. vulgare can be used as a potential
natural antimicrobial agent to be applied in personal care products.
Key words: Deodorants, Origanum vulgare, Personal care products, Antimicrobial action.
*Address for correspondence:
Dr. Raposo Nádia R. B, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Farmácia Núcleo de Pesquisa e Inovação em Ciências da
Saúde, Campus Universitário – Bairro Martelos, CEP 36036-900 – Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil. E-mail: nadiafox@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
Personal care products (PCPs) (e.g. deodorant, toothpaste,
soap, shampoo) are constantly used nowadays. Nevertheless,
synthetic compounds present in PCPs can affect people’s
health and the environment.1,2
Original Article
Access this article online
Journal Sponsor
Website:
www.jyoungpharm.org
DOI:
10.5530/jyp.2015.1.4

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015 13
Triclosan, a common ingredient used in PCPs, has become
the most widely used antibacterial agent in the United
States. This biocide is among the most commonly detected
PCPs in surface waters and biosolids. Therefore, it has been
suggested that exposure to Triclosan in the environment
may select tolerant bacterial strains and exhibit increased
resistance to antibiotics.
3,4
The continuous emergence of bacterial strains resistant
to conventional treatments has become a major
problem in recent years.
5
Furthermore, triclosan is
sufciently persistent in the environment, thus it readily
bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms, creating a chronic
exposure for those organisms.
3,4,6-8
Due to this fact, there
is a growing consumer demand for natural ingredients,
which are perceived as being healthier and ecological.
9
The use of natural products of plant origin demonstrates
a low possibility of microbial resistance development
because of their complex chemical mixtures.
10,11
The
natural ingredients have been the favorites in the
cosmetic and personal care marketing departments,
ensuring almost immediate consumer attention, along
with the willingness to pay premium prices for such
products. According to a Natural Marketing Institute
survey, 59% of women indicate that 100% natural
ingredients are very or somewhat important for them
when purchasing PCPs.
12
Essential oils and their components are increasingly
gaining interest because of their relatively safe status, their
wide acceptance by consumers, and their exploitation for
potential multi-purpose functional use. They have been
used in food preservation, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals,
fragrance industries, alternative medicine and natural
therapies.
13
Essential oils refer to the subtle, aromatic and volatile
liquids isolated from different parts of plants through
distillation. Such materials, which are used for their
benecial effect on the skin, are cost-effective and in some
instances may enhance the Dermo-cosmetic properties
of the nal product. Certain essential oils are known to
possess other interesting properties, such as antibacterial
or antifungal. Such properties allow their usage alone
or in combination with chemical preservatives for the
preservation of cosmetic products.
5,14,15
In terms of Ecotoxicology, in contrast to some
synthetic products, the constituents of essential oils are
biodegradable and most of them have little persistence in
the environment.
16
Oregano (Origanum vulgare Linnaeus) is an aromatic herb
belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and distributed in
Eurasia, North Africa and North America.17 This well-
known aromatic herb is considered one of the most widely
used spices in the world and is ofcially accepted in many
countries for its medicinal value.18 Due to their variety in
regards to chemistry and aroma, different Origanum species
are frequently used as raw material in pharmaceutical
and cosmetic industry in order to get spicy fragrances.19
Oregano has also been found to exhibit ant thrombin, ant
hyperglycemia, antiammatory, hepatoprotective as well as
antimicrobial effects.20-22
Deodorants belong to the PCPs group and are used to mask
and reduce body odor. They usually contain antimicrobials
such as triclosan, which decrease the number of bacteria
and hence the unpleasant smell of the microbial secretion
compounds.23 The German market of deodorants rose to
€ 705 million in 2010 and it was the PCPs with the biggest
increase compared to the two previous years. It is estimated
that 65.2% of adult men and 73.3% of adult women use
deodorants at least once a day.23,24 Currently, Brazil is
the third worldwide market on cosmetics, perfumes and
hygienic products and it occupies the rst position in the
world ranking of deodorants and fragrances.25
In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate
the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from O. vulgare
L. against the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration
odor and to develop a deodorant formulation containing said
essential oil as an antimicrobial agent.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Essential oil
The essential oil from Origanum vulgare leaves (lot 660411)
was commercially obtained from Lazlo Aromatologia Ltda.
Gas chromatography
In order to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize
the main chemical constituents of this essential oil, an
aliquot was subjected to analysis by high-resolution gas
chromatography (HR-GC) (HP 5890) equipped with ame
ionization detector. A BP-1 (SGE) 30 m x 0.25 mm column
was used, with a temperature gradient of 60°C/1 min,
3°C/min to 220°C; injector (split of 1/50) at 220°C and
detector at 220°C. The carrier gas used was hydrogen (2
mL/min) and the injection volume was of 1 μL. Samples
were diluted to 0.5% in chloroform. Identication of
essential oil components was based on the retention times
of sample components and a mixture of n-alkanes from
C10-C18 and the calculated Kovats Index was compared with
the available literature.26

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
14 Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015
Antimicrobial activity
Microorganisms
Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 7468), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 13315)
and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) were obtained
from the American Type Culture Collection. Corynebacterium
xerosis (IAL105) was obtained from Adolfo Lutz Institute
Culture Collection.
Antimicrobial screening and minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC)
The inhibition of microorganism growth was determined
by means of turbidimetric method by using a micro
dilution assay in a sterile 96-well microplate (Sarstedt,
Germany).27 Each well contained 100 µL of the essential
oil (0.17 – 2.8 mg/mL) and 100 µL of Brain heart Infusion
(BHI) for C. xerosis or Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB) for
the other bacteria representing, approximately, 4 x 103
colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The micro plates were
incubated at 35ºC for 24 hours. Next, 30 μL of aqueous
solution of 0.01 mg/mL resazurin was added to each
well and the micro plate was reinsulated for 4 hours. The
MIC values were determined by change in color, with
MIC indicated by the highest dilution remaining blue. In
addition, chloramphenicol (0,025 – 250 μg/mL), triclosan
(0.24 – 1,000 μg/mL) and neomycin (0.0125 – 125 μg/
mL) were used as reference drugs. Tests were carried out
in triplicate.
Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)
In order to determine the minimum bactericidal
concentration value, wells showing absence of growth in
the MIC assay were identied and 20 μL of each well were
transferred to tubes with Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB). The
tubes were incubated at 35ºC for 24 h. The MBC value
was regarded as the lowest concentration of the essential
oil where no visible growth was observed.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis
The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used
to investigate morphological changes in the strains of
interest submitted to the treatment with the essential oil,
chloramphenicol, triclosan and neomycin.28 The bacteria
cells were incubated for 24 hours in MHB (S. epidermidis, P.
vulgaris, M. luteus) or BHI (C. xerosis) at 35ºC. The suspension
was treated with the essential oil or the reference drugs
(chloramphenicol, triclosan and neomycin) at MBC value,
and then the samples were reincubated at 35ºC for 24 hours.
After incubation, cells were harvested by centrifugation for
10 minutes at 5,000 x g and transferred onto slides. The
cells were xed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde for 12 hours.
After that, the slides were washed with 0.1 M phosphate
buffer solution (pH 7.4), dehydrated with increasing
concentrations of ethanol (50 to 100%) with an interval
of 20 minutes between each exchange, and dried at room
temperature. The slides were mounted onto stubs using
double-sided carbon tape and then metallized in Balzers
Union FL - 9496 (Balzers, Germany) with 2 nm of gold
for 2 minutes. Subsequently, they were analyzed in the
scanning electron microscope JSM 5310 (Jeol, Japan) in
high vacuum in secondary electron mode.
Preparation of deodorant containing essential oil from
O. vulgare
Two grams of O. vulgare oil was dissolved in 60 mL of
grain alcohol. Then, 1 mL of propylene glycol, 1 mL of
glycerine and 4 mL of 50% aluminum chloride hydroxide
solution were added, with subsequent homogenization.
Under stirring, deionized water was added to complete
the volume to 100 mL.
In vitro
antibacterial activity of deodorant
Bacteria were cultivated on TSA plates and incubated at
35°C for 24 hours. Then, the plates were sprayed with
the deodorant containing essential oil from O. vulgare.
Each plate was divided into three parts and each part has
been sprayed once. This amount was sufcient to ensure
the entire area of the plate that was in contact with the
formulation. All procedures were performed by the same
analyst. The deodorant spray container and the force
used to spray the plate were the same. The volume of the
preparation that has been sprayed was approximately 80
µL. After incubation at 35°C for 24 hours, the colonies
were inoculated into tubes with TSB (BHI for C. xerosis)
to determine cell viability. The absence of turbidity of
the culture medium indicated bactericidal activity of the
formulation. In parallel, it was evaluated the bactericidal
activity of essential oil at 2%. Tests were carried out in
triplicate.
In addition, the colonies of different areas of TSA
treated with the deodorant were transferred onto slides
24 hours after the application of the formulation. The
cells were xed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde for 12 hours.
The subsequent procedures were performed following
procedures previously described in scanning electron
microscopy analysis.
RESULTS
Chemical composition of the essential oil
Seventeen constituents were identified by HR-GC,
accounting for 91.6% of all components in the essential
oil. Other not-listed components are present in amounts
of less than 0.1%. Results showed that γ-terpinene (30.5%)

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015 15
was the compound in highest percentage in the essential oil,
followed by carvacrol (15.7%) and terpinen-4-ol (13.0%)
(Figure 1 and Table 1).
Antimicrobial activity
Minimal Inhibitory Concentration
According to the results given in Table 2, the essential oil
of O. vulgare exhibited the antimicrobial activity against all
tested bacteria and demonstrated the bactericidal effect
against three of the four tested microorganisms. The MIC
values of the essential oil ranged from 0.7 mg/mL to 2.8
mg/mL.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis
SEM observations conrmed the physical damage and
considerable morphological alteration to the tested
bacteria treated with the oregano oil or reference
drugs (chloramphenicol, triclosan and neomycin). Cells
treated with essential oil and reference drugs underwent
considerable morphological changes when compared to
the control group (Figures 2 – 5). Control cells shoed a
regular surface. Exposure of the antimicrobial agents to
the bacteria revealed deformed and destroyed cells with
probable depletion of their content. In fact, it seems that
such compounds are able to alter the cell membrane of
the studied bacteria.
in vitro antibacterial activity of deodorant
The deodorant containing essential oil from O. vulgare
showed bactericidal activity against all tested bacteria as
well as the essential oil at 2%. The electron micrographs of
both untreated and deodorant treated cells are presented in
Figure 6. Detrimental effects on the morphology of the cell
membranes were shown when strains were treated with the
deodorant. Incomplete and deformed shape of cell walls
was observed. More deformation was noticed in treated
P. vulgaris, showing rupture and lysis of the membranes.
DISCUSSION
In the present work, γ-terpinene (30.5%) was present in
higher percentage, followed by carvacrol (15.7%), terpinen-
4-ol (13.0%), geraniol (7.1%) and cis-ocimene (7.0%). Those
compounds account for 73.3% of the total composition of
the oil and may be responsible for the biological activity.
The essential oil of O. vulgare is widely known to
Figure 1: Chromatographic profile of the essential oil from
O. vulgare
peaks lower than 0.1% were not documented.
Table 1: Chemical composition of the essential oil from
O. vulgare
leaves.
Compound % Kovat’s index
calculated
β-pinene 0.4 973
Myrcene 0.2 986
α-terpinene 0.8 1017
p-cymene 2.5 1024
1,8-cineol 0.5 1031
Trans
-ocimene 1.3 1049
Cis-ocimene 7.0 1056
γ-terpinene 30.5 1081
Cis
-sabinene hydrate 2.8 1085
Trans
-sabinene hydrate 1.0 1101
terpinen-4-ol 13.0 1158
α-terpineol 2.9 1170
Geraniol 7.1 1223
Carvacrol 15.7 1241
β-caryophyllene 2.5 1297
Germacrene D 1.9 1471
Spathulenol 1.5 1545
Total 91.6

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
16 Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015
Table 2: Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the tested substances.
Microorganisms Essential oil of O.
vulgare
Chloramphenicol Neomycin Triclosan
MICaMBCaMICbMICbMBCbMBCbMICbMBCb
S. epidermidis
ATCC 12228
2.8 - 2.5 0.48 3.9 25 1.25 1.25
P. vulgaris
ATCC
13315
0.7 1.4 2.5 0.97 0.97 25 12.5 12.5
M. luteus
ATCC
7468
0.7 2.8 2.5 1.95 62.5 25 12.5 125
C. xerosis
IAL 105 0.7 1.4 25 7.81 62.5 250 1.25 1.25
(-) not detected at all tested concentrations (0.17 to 2.8 mg/mL); a: Results expressed as mg/mL; b: Results expressed as µg/mL.
Figure 2: SEM images of
S. epidermidis
ATCC 12228. A: untreated bacterial cells, B: treatment with chloramphenicol, C: treatment with neomycin, D:
treatment with triclosan D: treatment with essential oil of O. vulgare. “a”: shows destroyed cells, “b”: indicates aggregated/deformed cells
Figure 3: SEM images of
P. vulgaris
ATCC 13315. A: untreated bacterial cells, B: treatment with chloramphenicol, C: treatment with neomycin, D:
treatment with triclosan D: treatment with essential oil of
O. vulgare
. “a”: cleft formation, “b”: pore formation, “c”: destroyed/deformed cells.

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015 17
Figure 4: SEM images of
M. luteus
ATCC 7468. A: untreated bacterial cells, B: treatment with triclosan, C: treatment with neomycin, D: treatment with
essential oil of
O. vulgare
. “a”: shows wrinkled abnormalities, “b”: indicates aggregated/deformed cells.
Figure 5: SEM images of
C. xerosis
IAL 105. A: untreated bacterial cells, B: treatment with triclosan, C: treatment with neomycin, D: treatment with
essential oil of
O. vulgare
. “a”: indicates disruption and lysis of membrane integrity, “b”: indicates aggregated/deformed cells.
obtain antimicrobial properties against various species
of microorganisms, especially pathogenic and food
spoilage.29,30 Nevertheless, our study conrmed that this
oil can also be a natural active as an alternative for usage
in personal care products such as deodorants, due to its
antimicrobial activity against the main bacteria responsible
for bad perspiration odor. Its antibacterial properties are
often associated with the phenolic compounds caracole
and thymol and their precursors γ-terpinene and p-cymene.
Those compounds frequently appear as the major
components of this oil.31-33
In the current study, the presence of all mentioned
compounds, except thymol, was identied. However, this
constituent could be included in the percentage observed
in amounts of less than 0.1% which were not listed in this
study.
18
the proportion of thymol and γ-terpinene in the
essential oil of O. vulgare can differ during the owering
and non-owering stages of the plant. The increase of one
of these constituents is accompanied by a decrease of the
other and vice-versa. The author also suggests that this
factor does not interfere in the content of the other two
main compounds: carvacrol and p-cymene.
34
reported the
amount of carvacrol is much higher during the summer,
while p-cymene predominates in autumn.

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
18 Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015
Figure 6: SEM images of bacteria. A:
S. epidermidis
ATCC12228. B:
P. vulgaris
ATCC 13315. C:
M. luteus
ATCC 7468. D:
C. xerosis
IAL 105. I: untreated
bacterial cells. II: treatment with deodorant. “a”: indicates deformed cells, “b”: disruption of membrane integrity.
Accordingly, minor differences in the chemical composition
of the essential oils can be due to physiological variation,
soil types, genetic factors, vegetative stage, climate, harvest
time, as well as cultivation and origin of the plants.32,35,36
Who investigated ve essential oils of oregano from
different regions of Europe at different times of the year.
A large variation in the chemical content of those oils was
found. However, there was no signicant difference in the
antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica serotype
Enteritidis. On the other hand, the authors suggest that
the essential oils containing carvacrol, p-cymene, and
γ-terpinene may present a more effective antimicrobial
effect.
Found carvacrol (66.9 g/100 g) as being the most
prevalent compound37 in the essential oil of O. vulgare,
which also presented high content of p-cymene (13.9g/100
g) and γ-terpinene (7.8 g/100 g). The authors suggest that
phenolic active compounds, such as carvacrol, sensitize the
cell membrane of the bacteria by complexation to available
targets (amino acids and proteins) in the cells. Thus, when
saturation of such site occurs, there is gross damage and
leakage of intracellular constituents.
Analyzed the chemical composition29 of the essential oil of
oregano obtained from four different regions of Madeira
Island, Portugal. Although the samples showed the same
constituents, some quantitative differences were observed.
In a region, g-terpinene was the component present in
higher amount (20.49%), whereas in others, thymol was
the major component, with concentrations ranging from
30.96% to 58.0%. In parallel, antimicrobial assay was
performed. Among the tested microorganisms, M. luteus
CCMI 322 was inhibited by all the four samples, being that
two samples showed bactericidal activity (MIC=100 μg/
mL) and the others showed bacteriostatic activity with MIC
values ranging between 100 and 200 μg/mL.
According to the present study, the essential oil O. vulgare
demonstred bactericidal activity against P. vulgaris ATCC
(MIC=1.4 mg/ml), M. luteus ATCC (MIC=2.8 mg/
mL) and C. xerosis IAL 105 (MIC=1.4 mg/mL) and
bacteriostatic activity for S. epidermidis (MIC=2.8 mg/mL).
Despite the fact that the essential oil from O. vulgare obtained
MIC values higher than the reference drugs, the present
results are of interest due to the environmental impact and
emergence of resistant bacterial strains associated with
triclosan. Furthermore, the usage of antibiotics such as
neomycin in deodorants is not recommended, as there are
other active substances with lower toxic risks.38
Examined the antibacterial properties39 of the essential
oil of oregano against C. xerosis, M. luteus and P. vulgaris by
disk diffusion method. It was observed MIC=1/50 (v/v)
for C. xerosis and M. luteus and MIC=1/200 (v/v) for P.
vulgaris. It has been hypothesized that the activity of the oil
can be attributed to the presence of carvacrol, p-cymene
and γ-terpinene.

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015 19
According to oregano essential oil40 did not show
antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis A233. On the
other hand, this oil was active in inhibiting P. vulgaris
Kukem-1329 with MIC=62.50 μg/mL.
Unlike many antibiotics, the hydrophobic constituents
present in the oils from the Origanum genus are able to gain
access to the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria through
the porin proteins of the outer membrane.29,41 essential oil
O. vulgare in the wall and/or in the plasma membrane of
the bacteria.
Some studies employing SEM were found, showing the
antibacterial effect of essential oil of O. vulgare against
several bacteria (S. aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC
6633, E. coli ATCC 8739, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes
ATCC QCF 7644).41-43 The authors observed injuries on
the morphology of cell membranes. However, no studies
were found demonstrating the detrimental effect of the
essential oil of O. vulgare against the microorganisms of
interest by means of SEM.
It can be observed that the deodorant containing the
essential oil from oregano demonstrated bactericidal action
against all bacteria tested. SEM observations conrmed the
physical damage and considerable morphological alteration
to the bacteria treated with the deodorant.
Dermal and ocular toxicity of oregano essential oil.4 4
The essential oil at 3% did not cause skin and cutaneous
irritations when administrated in wistar rats and albino
rabbits and it was considered minimally toxic to the eye.
In the present study, the developed deodorant contains 2%
of the essential oil, percentage lower than the described
study. Moreover, the addition of essential oil can improve
the cosmetic properties of the nal product, not only by
protecting the consumer against bacterial infections, but
also by contributing to the conservation of the formulation.
Thus, it is also possible to reduce the usage of chemical
preservatives and to formulate cosmetics with improved
dermocosmetic properties.5,15
CONCLUSION
Our results support the possibility of using the essential
oil from Origanum vulgare as a potential natural active
antimicrobial to be applied in personal care products,
such as deodorants. The usage of the essential oil from
O. vulgare in deodorants as an alternative to triclosan can
encourage the personal care industry to search out new raw
materials for formulations and to introduce innovations in
their product lines.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors acknowledge the financial support from
CAPES and CNPq. They are also grateful to MSc Amanda
Garcez and Noêmia Rodrigues for the technical assistance
and Adolfo Lutz Institute Culture Collection for standard
strains donation.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conict of interests
REFERENCES
1. Goossens A. Contact-allergic reactions to cosmetics. J Allergy. 2011: 1-6.
2. Witorsch RJ, Thomas JA. Personal care products and endocrine disruption: a
critical review of the literature. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2010; 40(3): S1-S30.
3. Middleton JH, Salierno JD. Antibiotic resistance in triclosan tolerant fecal coliforms
isolated from surface waters near waste water treatment plant outows (Morris
County, NJ, USA). Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2013; 88: 79–88.
4. Zarate Jr FM, Schulwitz SE, Stevens KJ, Venables BJ. Bioconcentration of
triclosan, methyl-triclosan, and triclocarban in the plants and sediments of a
constructed wetland. Chemosphere. 2012; 88(3): 323–29.
5. Patrone V, Campana R, Vittoria E, Baffone W. In vitro synergistic activities of
essential oils and surfactants in combination with cosmetic preservatives against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Curr Microbiol. 2010;
60(4): 237–41.
6. Butler E, Whelan MJ, Ritz K, Sakrabani R, Egmond RV. The effect of triclosan
on microbial community structure in three soils. Chemosphere. 2012; 89(1): 1–9.
7. Proia L, Morin S, Peipoch M, Romaní AM, Sabater S. Resistance and recovery
of river biolms receiving short pulses of Triclosan and Diuron. Sci. Total Environ.
2011; 409(17): 3129–37.
8. Tamura I, Kanbara Y, Saito M, Horimoto K, Satoh M, Yamamoto H et al. Triclosan,
an antibacterial agent, increases intracellular Zn2+ concentration in rat thymocytes:
Its relation to oxidative stress. Chemosphere. 2012; 86(1): 70–5.
9. Antignac E, Nohynek GJ, Re T, Clouzeau J, Toutain H. Safety of botanical
ingredients in personal care products/cosmetics. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011;
49(2): 324–41.
10. Souza TM, Morais-Braga MFB, Costa JGM, Saraiva AAF, Lima MA, Coutinho
HDM, Herbs in association with drugs: Enhancement of the aminoglycoside-
antibiotic activity by Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link. J Young Pharm. 2013;
5(4): 188-90.
11. Cerqueira GS, Rocha NFM, Almeida JRGS, de Freitas APF, Lima EO, Filho JMB
et al. Antimicrobial Activity of the Extract of Stem Bark of Diplotropis Ferruginea
Benth. J Young Pharm. 2011; 3(4): 284-86.
12. Dayan N, Kromidas, L. “Formulating, Packaging, and Marketing of Natural
Cosmetic Products”, 1st ed. Wiley: New Jersey; 2011.
13. Wannes WA, Mhamdi B, Sriti J, Jemia MB, Ouchikh O, Hamdaoui G et al.
Antioxidant activities of the essential oils and methanol extracts from myrtle
(Myrtus communis var. italica L.) leaf, stem and ower. Food Chem Toxicol.
2010; 48(5): 1362–70.
14. Lubbe A, Verpoorte R. Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants for specialty
industrial materials. Ind Crops Prod. 2011; 34(1): 785–801.
15. Varvaresou A, Papageorgiou S, Tsirivas E, Protopapa E, Kintziou H, Kefala V et
al. Self-preserving cosmetics. Int J. Cosmet Sci. 2009. 31(3): 163–75.
16. Regnault-Roger C, Vincent C, Arnason JT. Essential Oils in Insect Control: Low-
Risk Products in a High-Stakes World. Annu Rev. Entomol. 2012; 57: 405–24.
17. Figuérédo G, Cabassu P, Chalcat JC, Studies of Mediterranean oregano
populations. VII: chemical composition of essential oils of carvacrol-rich oregano
of various origins. J. Essent. Oil Res. 2006; 18(3): 244-49.
18. Rodrigues MRA. Estudo dos óleos essenciais presentes em manjerona e orégano.
Chem. M. Dissertation, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande
do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. 2002.
19. Souza EL, Stamford TLM, Lima EO, Trajano VN, Barbosa Filho JM. Orégano
(Origanum vulgare L., Lamiaceae): uma especiaria como potencial fonte de
compostos antimicrobianos. Hig. aliment. 2005; 19(132): 40-5.
20. Agiomyrgianaki A, Dais P. Simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds
and triterpenic acids in oregano growing wild in Greece by 31P NMR spectroscopy.

Suzuki Érika, et al.: O. vulgare as antibacterial alternative
20 Journal of Young Pharmacists Vol 7 ● Issue 1 ● Jan-Mar 2015
Magn Reson Chem. 2012; 50(11): 739-48.
21. Liang CH, Chan LP, Ding HY, So EC, Lin RJ, Wang HM et al. Free radical
scavenging activity of 4-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl) phenyl-o-β-D-
glucopyranoside from Origanum vulgare and its protection against oxidative
damage. J Agric Food Chem. 2012; 60(31): 7690-96.
22. Pelissari FM, Grossmann MV, Yamashita F, Pineda EA. Antimicrobial, mechanical,
and barrier properties of cassava starch-chitosan lms incorporated with oregano
essential oil. J. Agric Food Chem. 2009; 57(16): 7499-504.
23. Klaschka U. Contact allergens for armpits - Allergenic fragrances specied on
deodorants. Int J. Hyg Environ Health. 2012; 215(6): 584-91.
24. Lorenz C, Von Goetz N, Scheringer M, Wormuth M, Ungerbühler K. Potential
exposure of German consumers to engineered nanoparticles in cosmetics and
personal care products. Nanotoxicology. 2011; 5(1): 12–29.
25. ABIHPEC. [homepage on the Internet]. São Paulo: Associação Brasileira da
Indústria de Higiene Pessoal, Perfumaria e Cosméticos. [cited 2013 Jul 07]
Available from: http://www.abihpec.org.br, last accessed: 07/07/2013.
26. Adams RP. Identication of Essential Oil Componets by Gas Chromatography/
Mass Spectrometry. 4th ed. Allured Bussiness Media: Carol Stream Illinois; 2007.
27. Candan F, Unlu M, Tepe B, Daferera D, Polissiou M, Sökmen A et al. Antioxidant
and antimicrobial activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea
millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae). J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;
87(2): 215-20.
28. Gao C, Tian C, Lu Y, Xu J, Luo J, Guo X, Essential oil composition and antimicrobial
activity of Sphallerocarpus gracilis seeds against selected food-related bacteria.
Food Control. 2011; 22(3): 517–22.
29. Castilho PC, Feio SS, Weinhold TS, Gouveia SC. Evaluation of the antimicrobial
and antioxidant activities of essential oils, extracts and their main components
from oregano from Madeira Island, Portugal. Food Control. 2012; 23(2): 552–58.
30. Luz IS, Gomes Neto NJ, Tavares AG, Magnani M, Souza EL. Exposure of Listeria
monocytogenes to sublethal amounts of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil or
carvacrol in a food-based medium does not induce direct or cross protection.
Food Res Int. 2012; 48(2): 667–72.
31. Benavides S, Villalobos-Carvajal R, Reyes JE. Physical, mechanical and
antibacterial properties of alginate lm: Effect of the crosslinking degree and
oregano essential oil concentration. J Food Eng. 2012; 110(2): 232–39.
32. Bostancioğlu RB, Kürkçüoğlu M, Başer KHC, Koparal AT. Assessment of anti-
angiogenic and anti-tumoral potentials of Origanum onites L. essential oil. Food
Chem Toxicol. 2012; 50(6): 2002–8.
33. Busatta C, Mossi AJ, Rodrigues MRA, Cansian RL, Oliveira JV. Evaluation
of Origanum vulgare essential oil as antimicrobial agent in sausage. Braz. J.
Microbiol. 2007; 38(4): 610-16.
34. Tibaldi G, Fontana E, Nicola S. Growing conditions and postharvest management
can affect the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart.
Ind Crops Prod. 2011; 34(3): 1516–22.
35. Khosravi AR, Shokri H, Kermani S, Dakhili M, Madani M, Parsa S. Antifungal
properties of Artemisia sieberi and Origanum vulgare essential oils against
Candida glabrata isolates obtained from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.
J. Mycol Med. 2011; 21(2): 93-99.
36. Silva JPL, Duarte-Almeida JM, Perez DV, Franco BDGM. Óleo essencial de
orégano: interferência da composição química na atividade frente a Salmonella
Enteritidis. Cienc. tecnol. aliment. 2010; 30(1): S136-S41.
37. Azerêdo GA, Stamford TLM, Nunes PCN, Gomes-Neto NJ, Oliveira MEG,
Souza EL. Combined application of essential oils from Origanum vulgare L.
and Rosmarinus ofcinalis L. to inhibit bacteria and autochthonous microora
associated with minimally processed vegetables. Food Res Int. 2011; 44(5):
1541–58.
38. Barata EAF. A cosmetologia: principios básicos. 1st ed., Tecnopress: São Paulo;
1995.
39. Baydar H, Sagdiç O, Ozkan G, Karadogan T. Antibacterial activity and composition
of essential oils from Origanum, Thymbra and Sartureja species with commercial
importance in Turkey. Food Control. 2004; 15(3): 169-72.
40. Sahin F, Güllüce M, Daferera D, Sökmen A, Sökmen M, Polissiou M et al.
Biological activities of the essential oils and methanol extract of Origanum
vulgare ssp. vulgare in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. Food Control.
2004; 15(7): 549–57.
41. Azerêdo GA, Figueiredo RCBQ, Souza EL, Montenegro TL. Stamford changes
in Listeria monocytogenes induced by Origanum vulgare L. and Rosmarinus
ofcinalis L. Essential oils alone and combined at subinhibitory amounts. J. Food
Saf. 2012; 32(2): 226–35.
42. Lv F, Liang H, Yuan Q, Li C. In vitro antimicrobial effects and mechanism of action of
selected plant essential oil combinations against four food-related microorganisms.
Food Res Int. 2011; 44(9): 3057–64.
43. Souza EL, Barros JC, Oliveira CEV, Conceição ML. Inuence of Origanum vulgare
L. essential oil on enterotoxin production, membrane permeability and surface
characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus. Int J. Food Microbiol. 2010; 137(2):
308–11.
44. T.L. Schuch. Toxicidade dérmica e ocular do óleo essencial de orégano 3%
(Origanum vulgare L.). Monograph of Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. 2011.