ACHS Summary

Presented by:

President Dorene Petersen

Profesor Amanda Lattin

Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of three essential oil blends

Excerpt of Published Paper:

Abstract: New agents that are effective against common pathogens are needed particularly for those resistant to conventional antimicrobial agents. Essential oils (EOs) are known for their antimicrobial activity. Using the broth microdilution method, we showed that (1) two unique blends of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Daucus carota, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalis EOs (AB1 and AB2; cinnamon EOs from two different suppliers) were active against the fourteen Gram-positive and -negative bacteria strains tested, including some antibiotic-resistant strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.01% to 3% v/v with minimal bactericidal concentrations from <0.01% to 6.00% v/v; (2) a blend of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Daucus carota, Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare EOs was antifungal to the six Candida strains tested, with MICs ranging from 0.01% to 0.05% v/v with minimal fungicidal concentrations from 0.02% to 0.05% v/v. Blend AB1 was also effective against H1N1 and HSV1 viruses. With this dual activity, against H1N1 and against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae notably, AB1 may be interesting to treat influenza and postinfluenza bacterial pneumonia infections. These blends could be very useful in clinical practice to combat common infections including those caused by microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial drugs.

ACHS Summary

The results and conclusion of the paper indicate the blend AB1 demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity against H1N1 and HSV1 viruses, particularly " For example, eucalyptus EO and its compounds 1,8 cineole and β-caryophyllene exhibit an anti-HSV1 activity by directly inactivating free-virus particles and might interfere with virion envelope structures required for entry into host cells (Astani, Reichling, & Schnitzler, 2011; Astani et al.,2010)". This blend would then be appropriate for diffusing, for cleaning, or for inhalation and has the potential to interact with free virus particles that have not entered cells yet. We do not know if antiviral activity against H1N1 would carry over to COVID-19 as they are different classes of viruses. The antibacterial action is not as relevant in COVID-19 has clinical data has shown no indicators of secondary bacterial infections as present with influenza.

Blend

Inhalation Formula Master Blend (5ml) 1.60 ml Eucalyptus globulus CT cineol (leaf) 1.60 ml Cinnamomum zeylanicum CT cinnamaldehyde (bark), 1.33 ml of Rosmarinus officinalis CT cineol (leaf), 0.47 ml of Daucus carota CT carotol (seed) Same formula to 1ml if needed for production paperwork: 0.32 ml Eucalyptus globulus CT cineol (leaf) 0.32 ml Cinnamomum zeylanicum CT cinnamaldehyde (bark), 0.26 ml of Rosmarinus officinalis CT cineol (leaf), 0.10 ml of Daucus carota CT carotol (seed) Diffuse 3 to 4 drops for no longer than 30-minute intervals, 2 to 3 times daily in well-ventilated area. For topical application: Add 1 ml to 100 ml of carrier oil for a 1% dilution. Apply 1 tsp (5ml) over the desired area 3 times a day. If any irritation occurs, discontinue use. Discontinue use after (DP how long?) Please note, this dosage would equal about 3 drops a day of this formula. Cinnamomum zeylanicum CT cinnamaldehyde (bark) essential oil is a known skin irritant and sensitizer and is in a .32% dilution rate in this prepared formula.

  1. Loizzo, M. R., Saab, A.M., Tundis, R., Statti, G. A., Menichini, F., Lampronti, I., Gambari, R., Cinatl, J., & Doerr, H. W. (2008). Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antiviral activities of the essential oils of seven Lebanon species` Chemistry & Biodiversity, 5(3):461–470. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200890045
  2. National Institutes of Health. (2020, March 17). New coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces