ChemistryEnvironmental ScienceMedicine

K. Knobloch, A. Pauli, B. Iberl, H. Weigand, N. Weis

1989.5.1JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH

DOI: 10.1080/10412905.1989.9697767

tlooto Summary

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils is due to their solubility in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, and terpenoids which are characterized by their lability have been found to interfere with the enzymes of energy metabolism.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The solubility in water of essential oil constituents is directly related to their ability to penetrate the cell walls of a bacterium or fungus. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils is due to their solubility in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. Terpenoids which are characterized by their lability have been found to interfere with the enzymatic reactions of energy metabolism.

Citation format

KNOBLOCH, K., et al. Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oil components. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH, 1989, 1: 119–128.