Abstract

COMBINATION OF ESSENTIOL OIL EXTRACTS FOR ENHANCED ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF OREGANO AND MINT PLANT

Sachin S.*, Sasi Kumar V., Sampath Kumar T.

Abstract

This study investigates the synergistic effects of oregano (Origanum vulgare) and mint (Mentha piperita) essential oils in enhancing anthelmintic activity. The essential oils were extracted using steam distillation to identify the bioactive compounds. The anthelmintic activity of individual oils and their combinations was assessed using in vivo assays on earthworms. Results showed that both oregano and mint essential oils exhibited significant anthelmintic activity, with oregano oil demonstrating stronger effects. However, when combined, the essential oils exhibited a notable synergistic effect, enhancing their overall anthelmintic activity compared to individual oils. The combination of carvacrol and menthol was identified as a key factor in this enhanced effect. This study suggests that the combination of oregano and mint essential oils may offer a promising natural alternative for controlling helminthic infections, with potential applications in both veterinary and human medicine.

Keywords: Oregano, Mint, Essential oils, Synergistic effect, Helminthic infections, Natural alternative medicine, Veterinary and human applications.