Essential Oil From Origanum vulgare Linnaeus: An Alternative Against Microorganisms Responsible for Bad Perspiration Odor

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Origanum vulgare Linnaeus against the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor (Corynebacterium xerosis IAL 105, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 7468, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228) and to develop the formulation of a deodorant containing the essential oil as antimicrobial agent. Method: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the turbidimetric method, by using the microdilution assay. The chemical profile of the essential oil was evaluated by high-resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC). Results: seventeen constituents were identified, being that γ-terpinene (30.5%) and carvacrol (15.7%) were the major components found. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms tested and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.7 to 2.8 mg/mL. Electron microscopies confirmed the morphological alteration in the structure of the bacteria treated with the essential oil as compared to control. The formulation of the deodorant demonstrated bactericidal activity and it was able to cause damage in the morphological structure of the treated bacteria. Conclusion: The essential oil from O. vulgare can be used as a potential natural antimicrobial agent to be applied in personal care products.

Key words: Deodorants, Origanum vulgare, Personal care products, Products with Antimicrobial Action.