Essential oil composition of Cymbopogon winterianus and Carum carvi and their antimicrobial activities

The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (syn. Cymbopogon nardus (L.) W. Watson var. mahapengiri Winter) (Poaceae) and Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) essential oils were investigated against 19 fungal and 7 bacterial species. Among the tested species were food contaminants, spoilage fungi, as well as plant or fungi and animal pathogens. In order to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), microdilution tests were used. Citronellal and trans-geraniol were dominant in Cymbopogon winterianus oil, whereas carvone and limonene were the main components in Carum carvi oil. The essential oil of C. carvi possessed stronger antifungal and antibacterial potential than did citronella oil.