Research progress on the antibacterial mechanisms of carvacrol: a mini review

Background: Carvacrol is an aromatic phenolic terpenoid widely existing in the volatile oils of thyme, oregano, and some other aromatic plants. Recent studies have found that carvacrol possesses excellent antibacterial activity. In order to provide an updated information about the antibacterial potentials of carvacrol, herein, we summarized recent publications about the antibacterial activity of carvacrol, with special attention paid to its antibacterial molecular mechanisms, including desrupting cell membrane, depleting intracellular ATP, inducing reactive oxygen species, inhibiting efflux pumps, as well as suppressing two important virulence factors, biofilm and quorum sensing. In conclusion, carvacrol is a promising natural antibacterial compound with potential application in food preservation and infection.Keywords：Carvacrol, antibacterial mechanisms, biofilm, quorum sensing