Effects of Four Botanical Products on Pathogenic and Probiotic Bacteria
Current research suggests that natural antimicrobial agents have the potential to help mitigate problems associated with traditional antibiotics, such as antibiotic resistance and damage to beneficial bacteria. The purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of selected plant products on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. Oregano essential oil, oregano extract, cayenne extract, and hops extract were tested against several strains of bacteria, using disk diffusion and incorporation into incubating yogurt. The results were compared to results obtained from standard antibiotics. Oregano extract appeared to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, while not inhibiting probiotic bacteria. Hops extract also appeared to affect the growth of pathogenic bacteria, but not probiotic bacteria. Oregano oil appeared to affect both types of bacteria, while cayenne extract did not inhibit any of the bacteria. Further research is needed to confirm the results, but the data obtained from the tests of oregano extract and hops extract appear to be promising.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
L204
1:00 – 1:30 PM