preprints.org > life sciences > microbiology > doi: 10.20944/preprints202008.0623.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 26 August 2020 / Approved: 27 August 2020 / Online: 27 August 2020 (14:13:24 CEST)

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) and Cryptomeria japonica (Sugi) essential oils and assessed the effect of seasonal chemical variation on the oils’ antimicrobial efficacies. Plate based assays were conducted to elucidate the oils’ spectrum of in vitro antimicrobial activity and to determine the oils’ minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as a measure of antimicrobial efficacy. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry was adopted to chemically profile oils distilled in different seasons. The resultant compositional information in conjunction with MIC data was used to evaluate the effect of seasonal variation on the oils’ antimicrobial efficacy. Both Mānuka and Sugi essential oils were active against all classes of target microorganisms. However, limited activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria. The oils displayed consistent chemotypic characteristics regardless of the time of distillation. Nonetheless, there were quantitative differences in compound abundance in both essential oils. Significant differences in the MIC of Sugi essential oil was observed against target microorganisms as a result of seasonal variation in constituent abundances while Mānuka essential oil’s antimicrobial efficacy was unaffected. This study demonstrates that seasonal chemical variation is an important quality assurance parameter to consider for future application of essential oils as antimicrobial agents in consumer products.

Leptospermum scoparium; Cryptomeria japonica; Mānuka; Sugi; Essential oils; Natural products; Secondary metabolites; Antimicrobials; Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry