In vitro antibacterial activity of the Hertia cheirifolia L. essential oils

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activity of essential oils from Hertia cheirifolia L. flowers, vegetative part (leaves + stems) and roots against a panel of bacterial strains. Methods: The essential oils from Hertia cheirifolia L. flowers, vegetative part (leaves + stems) and roots were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of essential oils was evaluated in vitro by the broth dilution method. Results: The results showed that the essential oil of flowers exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.078 mg/mL. Conclusions: The essential oils of Hertia cheirifolia can be a good source of antibacterial compounds. They can be used for pharmaceutical treatments.