ANTIMICROBIANOS NATURAIS: Potencial Bacteriostático do Extrato de Orégano

Abstract

Introduction: Plants and natural medicines such as oregano extract can be a promising component in controlling contaminating bacteria, as well as a good ally in delaying pathogenic bacteria. Methodology: The present research utilizes the qualitative methodology at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Universidade Paranaense, aiming to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the oregano extract. It involves using the nutrient agar culture medium for strains of Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus ATCC 022. Two brands were selected, separated from the oregano extracts, and the test was applied in two groups with 15 (fifteen) nutrient agar culture media, in three different dilutions for each microorganism. Results and Discussions: Both the selected extracts had similar results for the 2 (two) microorganisms (Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus). On the first dilution, it was used only 2 (two) drops of the extract, showing normal growth of the bacteria. On the second dilution, it was used 5 (five) drops of the extract, showing a reduced growth when compared to the first one. And finally, in the last dilution it was used 8 (eight) drops, in which there was proliferation only at the edge of the culture (in which there was no presence of the extract), suggesting a bacteriostatic potential.  Bacterial replication revealed normal growth of E.Coli and S. aureus, suggesting that the extracts had a non-bactericidal effect. Final considerations: After the experiment was finished, the extracts used demonstrated the expected bacteriostatic effect for the Escherichia Coli bacteria, while for the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, there was a discrepancy between the results and the extracts. However, it is worth highlighting that the medical use of the oregano extract can be a great ally in the fight against infectious diseases, as many studies prove its effectiveness.