Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

Title abbreviation: Adv Clin Exp Med
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Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

2016, vol. 25, nr 5, September-October, p. 989–995

doi: 10.17219/acem/31287

Publication type: review

Language: English

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Influence of Essential Oils on Infectious Agents

Elżbieta Piątkowska1,B,D, Jolanta Rusiecka-Ziółkowska2,A,E,F

1 Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland

2 Department of Microbiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland

Abstract

Essential oils are substances of plant origin used to produce cosmetics, to preserve and aromatize food. Recently, they have become more popular among scientists and doctors due to their germicidal, antifungal, antiviral and anti-parasitic properties. As a consequence, essential oils are regarded as the source of new therapeutic substances. Numerous publications have been written regarding their effect on microorganisms in vitro. There have also been reports regarding their use in therapy as an additive to the traditional medical treatment. Essential oils may have other properties with positive effect on health because they may have an influence on the central nervous system and human mental state. It should be, however, kept in mind that compounds of essential oils might also have side effects and lead, like antibiotics, to the selection of resistant pathogens. It is necessary to develop quality standards of obtaining and using these plant preparations, so that they may provide safe and effective assistance in the fight against human pathogens.

Key words

essential oils, phytotherapy, alternative therapy

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