Extraction and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Eucalyptus globulus
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ilorin Journal of Science
Abstract
The essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus obtained by hydrodistillation (Fever tree) was investigated for activity
against two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The oil was extracted using a
Clevenger-type apparatus. Separation, identification and determination of percentage composition of
compounds present in the oil were carried out by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The antibacterial
activity was investigated by agar diffusion technique using various concentrations of the essential oil: 100% v/v,
75% v/v, 50% v/v, 25% v/v, 15% v/v. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using turbidimetric
assay by taking the absorbance with the aid of a spectrophotometer. Minimum bactericidal concentration was by
plate assay. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed the presence of seven compounds, all amounting
to 90.4% with globulol having the highest percentage composition of 30.1%. The evaluation of sensitivity of the
oil revealed the highest activity at 100% v/v against both isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration was
obtained at 25% v/v when assayed against K. pneumoniae with no activity at all against S. aureus at the same
concentration. Oil showed no bactericidal activity at all concentrations, suggesting only bacteristatic activity of
the oil. Investigation from this work revealed that the essential oil of E. globulus exhibit activity against the
tested isolates and can thus be employed in the treatment of infections caused by them.
Description
Keywords
Eucalyptus globulus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, hydrodistillation, Agar diffusion
Citation
Ahmed et al., 2016