CloseStudies on the development of formulations containing one or more essential oils offering antibacterial properties
Plants have limitless capabilities for the synthesis of antimicrobial substances. Most are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 (10% of the total) have been investigated. Several of these substances play a part in plants' mechanisms for defending themselves against predators (micro-organisms, insects, herbivores and so on.) (Cowan, 1999).
Essential oils have always proved to be effective in the control of the spread of serious illnesses, such as plague, when used in ancient Athens by Hippocrates, and later with cholera People who worked in the perfume industry in Paris and London seemed to be resistant to this disease (Manou et al. 1998). The anti-microbial action of essential oils, although long known, has only recently been proven scientifically. Various in vitro studies have confirmed that essential oils exert an inhibiting action on bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and protozoa.
In the light of the therapeutic limitations of chemical medicines, the development of research into medicinal plants has been directed towards obtaining phyto-medicines that meet precise specifications in terms of evaluation of their innocuousness and therapeutic effectiveness.
Our experience, the conviction brought about by our results, and our permanent contact with the scientific community guarantee that there is an immediate use for any product in these "taboo" pathologies. Scientists today are up against a brick wall, and powerlessness makes one fear that some sort of modern "plague" will appear.
We hope to develop a 100% natural and plant-based product that exhibits a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity.