Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

The Effect of the Application of Thyme Essential Oil on Microbial Load During Meat Drying
Published on: March 14, 2018
Bactericidal action of Alpinia galanga essential oil on food-borne bacteria
W Prakatthagomol1, S Klayraung, S Okonogi
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Abstract:
The use of natural antimicrobial agents is garnering attention due to consumer and producer awareness of health problems. This study found that the essential oil of A. galanga had strong bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The bactericidal action of A. galanga oil was extremely rapid. Results of scanning electron microscopy observations suggested that A. galanga oil had antibacterial action probably as a result of its modification of the bacterial cell membrane, disrupting the membrane's permeability. This study suggested that the essential oil of A. galanga shows promise as a natural antimicrobial agent for use as a food preservative.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Methods for Microbial Control
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Microbial Spoilage of Food
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
