Essential Oils from Achillea millefolium and Hypericum perforatum as Natural Antimicrobial Candidates for Biotechnology Applications
Author : Pop Carmen Rodica, Coldea Teodora Emilia
Abstract :Introduction: Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), two herbaceous perennial plant species, produce essential oils (EOs) with significant biological activities. In the food and health sectors, their EOs not only enhance organoleptic properties but also exhibit antimicrobial effects. These effects can be attributed to their complex chemical composition and high lipophilicity, which facilitate membrane penetration, disruption, and increased permeability in microbial cells. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of these EOs against commonly encountered pathogens. Materials and Methods: Essential oils (EOs) were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction from the dried aerial parts of plants cultivated in the experimental fields of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using a resazurin-based microtiter plate assay. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was evaluated against bacterial species and Candida species. Results: St. John’s wort EO exhibits a better antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (S. pyogenes – 0.095±1.0 μL/mL; P aeruginosa – 5.14±0.0 μL/mL) and against yeast strains (C. albicans – 2.45±1.90 μL/mL). Conclusion: Yarrow and St. John EOs demonstrated high efficiency against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Regarding antifungal activity, both essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects against Candida species. These findings support the potential applications of Yarrow and St. John’s wort essential oils (EOs) as natural preservatives and sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives, contributing to safer, cleaner-label products
Keywords :Antibacterial, antifungal, biological activities, Yarrow, St. John’s wort.
Conference Name :International Conference on Life Sciences and Healthcare (ICLSH-25)
Conference Place Nicosia, Cyprus
Conference Date 27th Oct 2025
