Microcalorimetric and electron microscopic investigation on the effects of essential oil from Cymbopogon densiflorus...

Microcalorimetry, optical density measurements and electron microscopy, were used to assess the influence of various amounts of the essential oil of Cymbopogon densiflorus (lemongrass oil) on the metabolic activity, growth and morphology of Staphylococcus aureus. Relatively high concentrations of the oil impaired staphylococcal growth in a bacteriostatic manner (chloramphenicol type), and in low doses metabolism became ineffective due to energy losses in the form of heat. Ultrastructural data revealed morphological changes characteristic for the influence of bactericidal antibiotics inducing bacteriolysis (penicillin type). The essential oil may have antibacterial activity by influencing bacterial targets involved in cytoplasmic and cell wall metabolism.