Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates.

Bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts were subjected to the action of Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis essences in a steam phase, using a microatmospheric technique. Due to the methodology employed, L. officinalis essence was more active in filamentous fungi than the other essential oils studied. All three essences possessed a similar degree of activity against the micro-organisms tested, though a relatively higher activity was seen in the case of M. officinalis.