Rapid bactericidal effect of cinnamon bark essential oil againstPseudomonas aeruginosa

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Abstract
Aims This study aimed to identify the most effective antimicrobial from a selection of essential oils and investigate its bactericidal properties against Ps. aeruginosa. Methods and Results The disc diffusion assay and minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentration tests were used to identify antimicrobial potential. Several oils exhibited antimicrobial effects at concentrations as low as 0·03% (v/v). Significantly, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark oil exhibited broad spectrum activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria and showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against Ps. aeruginosa PAO1 at 0·125% (v/v) and all other tested organisms, including known multidrug resistant species. Time‐kill assays and metabolic activity tests showed cinnamon oil to exhibit rapid killing, with bactericidal activity observed in ≤ 6 min at ≥ 0·5% (v/v). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and a membrane permeability assay indicated damage to membrane integrity, loss of turgor and cell collapse. Conclusion Cinnamon bark essential oil is a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial capable of rapid killing at low concentrations. Significance and Impact of Study This study provides a sound basis for further investigation of the potential of cinnamon bark essential oil as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial products due to its fast acting bactericidal properties at low concentrations.
Funding Information
  • University of the West of England

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