Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils from Various Plants from Azerbaijan Flora

Abstract

Regarding the treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms substances, drugs and other means used in therapeutic and preventive measures carried out in many countries of the world, including Azerbaijan obtained either from natural sources or by synthesis [1,2].  A decrease in the effect of the substances used over time or the emergence of resistant forms of microorganisms to their effects   is necessary to constantly search for new methods and approaches to keep this issue in the centre of attention and to eliminate the pathologies caused by microorganisms  [3]. Currently in the world, including in Azerbaijan increased resistance of some microorganisms to antibiotics leads to serious problems, especially in the treatment of hospital-acquired infections. Massive use of antibiotics of extremely complex chemical composition leads to the emergence of resistance, as well as a number of side effects (dysbiosis, dysbacteriosis, allergic reactions, weakening of the immune system, etc.). There is a great need for new antimicrobial drugs against microbes included by the World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pathogens (for example, gram-negative bacteria, carbapenem-resistant bacteria, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, etc.) [4]. In this regard, it seems more reasonable to use preparations of essential oils of medicinal plants, which have an antimicrobial effect, but have fewer side effects than known antibiotics. Currently, essential oil preparations are widely used, studied in recent years as a result of numerous studies conducted throughout the world [5]. It is known that the number of essential oil plants of the modern world flora ranges from 2500 to 3000 species. [6].  In our republic, which has rich plant resources, the study of plants, especially wild essential oil plants, has recently become one of the most important areas of scientific study. It is also worth noting that up to 800 of the 4,500 plant species in the flora of Azerbaijan are considered essential oil plants. The main reason why these plants have become the subject of study both in the world and in our country is that they are used for various purposes and no harmful effects are found after use. Essential oils penetrate the cell and damage the cytoplasmic membrane of microorganisms, at this time, the activity of microorganisms decreases with aerobic respiration. For this reason, drugs in the form of biologically active dietary supplements of plant origin have recently become widely used in practical medicine [5,6].