Antibacterial activity of grapefruit seed extract and seven kinds of essential and blended essential oils

Objectives: Antibiotics help treat Vaginitis, and prolonged usage of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Methods: This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of two types of lactic acid bacteria using essential oils. After cultivation by adding grapefruit seed extract (GSE), eucalyptus, tea tree, clove bud, cinnamon, lemongrass, thyme, and ginger oils in a specific ratio, pathogenic microorganisms, namely E. coli, C. albicans, and lactic acid bacteria were released. The number of bacteria was measured using a medium suitable for the strains. Results: The essential oils and GSE inhibited pathogenic microorganisms, and the inhibitory concentration of GSE against pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, C. albicans) was confirmed. The non-inhibitory mixing ratio was also confirmed (50 μl of eucalyptus globulus (EG) oil and 50 μl of melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil, TTO) at 200 ppm GSE (pH 5.0, 5.5, 6.0)). Conclusion: Essential oils can be considered as an alternative to antibiotics because of their antibacterial properties. They are useful as auxiliary antibacterial agents for patients under long-term antibiotic treatment.