Use of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil to Combat Human Pathogenic Yeasts

Department

Public Health

Authors

Amber Adams, Western Kentucky University

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

With the outbreak of autoimmune diseases, pathogenic yeasts have begun to pose a serious medical threat. This threat is compounded as more of these yeasts evolve resistance to existing antifungal drugs. In the ever-widening search for new, effective antifungal treatment, the realm of herbal medicine offers some interesting and potentially valuable alternatives. Origanum vulgare is one herb that has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi alike. This study undertook to examine the effects of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare on Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Rhodotorula rubrum, and Cryptococcus albidus, with the hypothesis that Essential Oil of Oregano (EOO) would prove to be an effective antifungal against these pathogenic yeasts in vitro. Upon completion of liquid and solid media growth inhibition testing, it is possible to state that essential oil of oregano exhibits growth inhibitory effects against all four of the tested yeasts at concentrations as low as 200 ug/mL.

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Other Food Science | Other Immunology and Infectious Disease

Recommended Citation

Adams, Amber, "Use of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil to Combat Human Pathogenic Yeasts" (2008). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 109.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/109