Antimicrobial potency of three leaf essential oil of Curcuma species with reference to commercial counterpart: A brief comparison

Abstract

Curcuma species have been utilized in ancient healing practices for many generations and are gaining importance worldwide due to their novel bioactive compounds. Curcuma caesia, Curcuma longa and Curcuma amada are member of the family Zingiberaceae and is used in various regions for its anthelmintic, laxative and vulnerary properties. It is useful in the treatment of asthma, leprosy, leukoderma and anaemia. In this study the essential oil was extracted from the leaf of three different Curcuma species by hydro distillation. Extracted essential oils were subjected to antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method tested against five bacterial strains and four fungal strains. In this study, it was seen that the three essential oil of the Curcuma spp. are very potent and rich in antimicrobial efficacy. The antimicrobial assay results showed that the essential oil is very effective against the selected bacterial strains but it is somehow inactive towards some fungal strains. Antibiotic resistance presents a complex issue that necessitates a comprehensive solution, encompassing tactics aimed at enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics and minimizing their utilization. In this regard, the present study would shed light on the effective utilization of these underutilized crops for broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.