Amid the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), essential oils (EOs) offer a promising natural alternative to conventional therapies due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of EOs-eugenol (clove), rosemary, rosehip, lavender, clary sage, and lemongrass- against clinical pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains. Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays revealed that eugenol exhibited the greatest antimicrobial efficacy (zone of inhibition: 25.0 ± 0.8 mm; MIC: 62.5-125 µg/mL), followed by rosemary and lavender oils. A ternary EO combination significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and MRSA. Antioxidant activity, quantified using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, yielded the lowest IC50 for the EO combination (11.78 ± 0.70 µg/mL). HRBC membrane stabilization assays demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy for the combination and eugenol (IC50: 28.19-36.18 µg/mL) relative to diclofenac. GC-MS profiling identified 40 bioactive constituents, notably eucalyptol, a-pinene, and eugenol, underpinning the observed pharmacological effects. These findings substantiate the therapeutic potential of EO formulations in addressing infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences across treatments, validating the efficacy of EO interventions. These findings highlight the therapeutic relevance of EOs, particularly in combination, as multi-target agents capable of addressing infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The data support their development as adjunctive or alternative options to combat AMR-driven clinical challenges.
Essential Oils, Antimicrobial Resistance, Bioactive Compounds, Anti-inflammation, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy
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