Abstract

In the present study, antibacterial and antifungal activities of essential oils of fourSalvia species against five bacteria and one fungus were evaluated at concentrations of 1/10, 1/20 and 1/30 and incubated for 24 h. Aqueous and hexane extracts of each plant were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activity by using agar disc diffusion method. The result indicated that all essentialoils exhibit antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli andStaphylococcus aureus. In addition, essential oils of Salvia multicaulis exhibit the antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Essential oils of Salvia syriaca exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities against all micro-organisms.

Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Salvia, essential oils.