Determination of antibacterial effects and total phenolic contents of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed extracts

In the study, antibacterial activities of the seed extracts of three different grapes were examined against fifteen bacteria, and total phenolic contents of the extracts were additionally determined. The contents of total phenolic compounds of the grape seed extracts were 589.09 (Hasandede), 506.60 (Emir) and 549.54 (Kalecik Karasi) mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram with acetone:water:acetic acid (90:9.5:0.5). These extracts at 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% concentrations were tested for their antibacterial effects by using the agar diffusion method against some pathogenic and spoilage bacteria including Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. All tested bacteria were inhibited by the grape seed extracts using agar well diffusion method. The most sensitive of the bacteria was A. hydrophila while Hasandede grape seed extract was the most inhibitive extract on test bacteria. Hasandede seed extract at 10% concentration gave the largest inhibition zone diameter (30.67 mm) against A. hydrophila. According to serial dilution method, while all the grape seed extracts at 0.5% and 1% concentrations had generally bacteriostatic activities against E. coli O157:H7, the same extracts appeared to have bactericidal effects at concentrations above 2.5%. In addition, the extracts at all concentrations had bactericidal activities against S. aureus at the end of 48 h. and A. hydrophila at the end of 1 h.     

Bioactivities of essential oil and extract of Thymus argaeus,Turkish endemic wild thyme

BACKGROUND: Thymus argaeus Boiss. & Bal. (Lamiaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey known as wild thyme, is traditionally used as a spice and a wild tea in the Inner Anatolia region of Turkey. In this study the composition of the essential oil and the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract and essential oil of T. argaeus were determined. RESULTS: The main components of the essential oil were linalool (499 g kg^?1), α‐terpineol (150 g kg^?1), linalyl acetate (97 g kg^?1) and thymol (94 g kg^?1). The total phenolic, flavanol and flavonol contents of the extract were 83.31 ± 0.59 mg gallic acid equivalent g^?1, 6.26 ± 0.00 mg catechin equivalent g^?1 and 28.81 ± 0.21 mg rutin equivalent g^?1 respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extract and essential oil determined by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging method were 830.18 ± 0.42 and 20.47 ± 2.3 mg g^?1 respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the extract and essential oil against 13 bacteria and two yeasts were studied by the agar diffusion method. The micro‐organisms most sensitive to the essential oil were Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the micro‐organism most sensitive to the extract was P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Only the extract of T. argaeus could be used as a natural antioxidant, while both the extract and the essential oil could be useful as natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antibacterial activities and total phenolic contents of grape pomace extracts

The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic contents and antibacterial effects of grape pomace extracts (cultivars Emir and Kalecik karasi) against 14 bacteria, and the effects of the extracts on the growth and survival of two of the bacteria during storage. The total phenolic contents of grape pomace of Emir and Kalecik karasi cultivars extracted with acetone/water/acetic acid (90:9.5:0.5) were 68.77 and 96.25 mg GAE g^?1, respectively. The agar well diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of the extracts at 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20% (w/v) concentrations in methanol on spoilage and pathogenic bacteria including Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7. Mycobacterium smegmatis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. All the bacteria tested were inhibited by extract concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20%, except for Y enterocolitica which was not inhibited by the 2.5% concentration. However, pomace extracts at 1% concentration had no antibacterial activity against some of the bacteria. According to the agar well diffusion method, E coli O157:H7 was the most sensitive of the bacteria. Generally, using the serial dilution method, while the extracts at 0.5% concentration had bacteriostatic activities on E coli O157:H7 and S aureus, the extracts appeared to have bactericidal effects at 1 and 2.5% concentrations. In accordance with this method, S aureus was more sensitive than E coli O157:H7 to the extracts. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Thai propolis extracted using ethanol aqueous solution

The potential of using propolis collected from Thailand as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for food applications was investigated. The propolis extract was prepared by using different ethanol aqueous solutions, including 30%, 40%, 50% and 70%. Total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic compound and antioxidant activity of the propolis were determined using Folin–Ciocalteau method, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, respectively. The antimicrobial ability was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (TISTR 118), Salmonella enteritidis (DMST 17368), Escherichia coli (TISTR 780) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) using disc diffusion technique. The major phenolic compounds found in Thai propolis were rutin, quercetin and naringin. The TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased with increasing ethanol concentration in the solvent. Propolis extract showed antimicrobial activity, in terms of inhibitory zone for S. aureus and limited growth underneath paper discs, against all tested bacteria.     

Antimicrobial effects of six Algerian propolis extracts

This study aimed to study the antimicrobial effect of propolis and determine the essential compounds which give it the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial effect was investigated for six ethyl acetate extracts of propolis (EAPs) collected from different regions of Algeria on four pathogenic strains (Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and two benefit strains (Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus). The results obtained in this study indicated that the different EAPs showed potential inhibitory effects on tested pathogenic strains with variable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.3 and 9 mg ml^?1, while the beneficial bacteria showed resistance against EAPs of propolis. The results demonstrated also that the flavonoid compounds have very low MIC values, while phenolic acid compounds have variables MIC values of 1–10 mg ml^?1. These results indicated that propolis contains proven substances with antimicrobial activity and are a prelude to the investigations aimed at empowerment of the bee substance as a potential source of antimicrobial agents with multiple outlets.     

Antimicrobial effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth of a Pseudomonas putida strain isolated from meat

The inhibitory effect of 60 different essential oils was evaluated on a Pseudomonas putida strain of meat origin, associated with meat spoilage. Essential oils were tested at concentrations from 0.003 to 0.8% (wt/vol) to determine minimum inhibitory and maximal tolerated concentrations (MIC and MTC, respectively) using an agar medium culture. Of the 60 samples tested, Corydothymus capitatus essential oil was the most active showing a MIC of 0.025% and a MTC of 0.06%. Seven essential oils (Cinnamomum cassia, Origanum compactum, Origanum heracleoticum, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana, Thymus vulgaris carvacroliferum, Thymus vulgaris thymoliferum) have shown a strong antimicrobial activity against P. putida with a MIC of 0.05% and a MTC ranging from 0.013% to 0.025%. Ten other oils (Cinnamomum verum (leaf and bark), Eugenia caryophyllus, Cymbopogon martinii var. motia, Cymbopogon nardus, Melaleuca linariifolia, Origanum majorana, Pimenta dioica, Thymus satureoides, Thymus serpyllum) showed a high antimicrobial activity showing a MIC ranging from 0.1% to 0.4%, while the remaining were less active showing a MIC ? 0.8%.     

Effect of the extract from custard apple (Annona squamosa) leaves prepared with pulsed electric field-assisted process on the diversity of microorganisms and shelf-life of refrigerated squid rings

Antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of ethanolic custard apple leaf extract (CALE) prepared without and with pulsed electric field (PEF) assisted process (6 kV cm⁻¹, 300 pulses, 142 kJ kg⁻¹ for 5 min) (PEF-CALE) were comparatively investigated. PEF-CALE showed higher bacterial inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to CALE. Antibiofilm properties of both extracts towards the aforementioned bacteria were augmented with increasing concentrations (P < 0.05). The impact of PEF-CALE in extending the shelf-life of squid rings (SQR) was also investigated. Based on the microbiological limit, the shelf-life of refrigerated squid rings pretreated with 400 mg kg⁻¹ PEF-CALE was extended by more than 6 days when compared to the control. Pseudomonas lundensis, Pseudomonas fragi, and Shewanella baltica were the most abundant spoilage bacteria found in SQR. Overall, PEF-CALE exhibited promising antimicrobial activities, which could serve as biopreservative agent for inhibiting bacterial growth in SQR during refrigerated storage.     

Antimicrobial activity of greater galangal [Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Swartz.] flowers

Using the agar disc diffusion method, the potential antimicrobial activity of edible galangal [Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Swartz.] flower against Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella, and the effects of different drying methods and solvent types on the flowers’ antimicrobial activity were investigated. Oven-dried ethanol (OD Ethanol) extract from galangal flower was the most effective against S. aureus with inhibition zone of about 26–31 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.352–0.547 mg/mL. No antimicrobial activity was observed on E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Overall antimicrobial activity of oven-dried samples extracted with ethanol (OD Ethanol) was the highest with inhibition zone of 8.94 mm and MIC of 1.457 mg/mL. In contrast, freeze-dried samples extracted with ethanol (FD Ethanol) exhibited the lowest overall antimicrobial activity (7.05 mm and 2.470 mg/mL). This is the first report describing antimicrobial activity of galangal flowers against Grampositive S. aureus.     

Antimicrobial activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myagropsis myagroides</Emphasis> and interaction with food composition

Ethanol extract of Myagropsis myagroides (MMEE) has substantial antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and some of the yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MMEE ranged from 0.0625 to 0.125 mg/mL for Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens. Chloroform fraction obtained through liquid-liquid extraction possessed the strongest antimicrobial activity, and was separated by silica gel column chromatography. Among 22 of subfraction, CH4 showed the strongest activity (4–8 times MIC of the crude extract). The antimicrobial activity of CH4 to Staphylococcus aureus was reduced at high concentrations of starch, but the bactericidal effect of CH4 was maintained at 1 and 5% starch model media. The efficacy of CH4 against S. aureus diminished in the presence of >5% beef extract and >1% soybean oil. In acute toxicity test, no mortalities occurred in mice administered 5 g/kg body weight of MMEE over 2 weeks observation.     

An alternative encapsulation approach for production of active chitosan–propolis beads

Encapsulation is a promising technology to carry natural active substances, preventing their loss and maintaining their stability until use. Beads of chitosan‐containing propolis have been prepared using a mono‐pore filter device, which permits the encapsulation of natural polyphenols avoiding heat treatments, high shear rates and the use of toxic solvents. Beads proved to be active against Bacillis cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Yarrovia lipolytica and three moulds strains; the highest effect was found against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.8 mg beads mL^?1). Results in liquid cultures of S. aureus evidenced that beads were able to release the flavonoids from propolis: the diffusion of the active compounds is a key factor in the exploitation of the microbial activity. The obtained chitosan–propolis beads represent an example of natural antimicrobial delivery system that could be used to prevent the growth of pathogenic/spoilage bacteria in food applications.     

Evaluation of Natural Antimicrobials on Typical Meat Spoilage Bacteria In Vitro and in Vacuum-Packed Pork Meat

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of natural antimicrobials on the growth of typical spoilage bacteria from marinated pork. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of thymol, cinnamaldehyde, allyl isothiocyanate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, a rosemary extract, and a grapefruit seed extract against Lactobacillus algidus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc carnosum, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Carnobacterium divergens, Brochothrix thermosphacta, and Serratia proteamaculans were determined in a microplate assay. Combinations of antimicrobials were tested and several combinations showed synergistic effects in inhibiting bacterial growth. Single and combined antimicrobials were added to vacuum-packed pork meat to evaluate preserving effects. Antimicrobial concentrations of up to 10 times the MIC values showed no effect on total bacterial growth in vacuum packed pork meaning that although most antimicrobials inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria in vitro, results from the microplate assay could not be transferred to the meat system. Most natural antimicrobials possess strong odor and flavor that limit their use as a food preservative. In conclusion, this study showed that the use of natural antimicrobials in meat products is limited and that bacterial quality and shelf life was not enhanced under the chosen conditions.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Satureja montana L. extracts

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts (aqueous, ethanolic and essential oil) from Satureja montana and to characterise the chemical composition of its essential oil. RESULTS: Satureja montana L. essential oil had relatively high antimicrobial activities against the seven species of bacteria tested. In contrast, aqueous extracts did not reveal antibacterial activity, and the ethanol extract was not effective against Salmonella typhimurium. The major volatile constituents of the essential oil were carvacrol (306 g L^?1), thymol (141 g L^?1), and carvacrol methyl ether (63 g L^?1). The strongest antioxidant capacity was obtained with the hot water extracts of S. montana, whereas the plant essential oil revealed the highest phenolic content. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the bioactive extracts of S. montana have strong potential for use as natural antimicrobials and antioxidants in the preservation of processed food. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biological activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Micromeria fruticosa (L) Druce ssp serpyllifolia (Bieb) PH Davis plants from the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey

The in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Micromeria fruticosa ssp serpyllifolia as well as the composition of the essential oil were examined. The essential oil exhibited activity against 14 bacteria, three fungi and a yeast, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 125 µl ml^?1, whilst the methanolic extract was inactive. Antioxidant activity was measured by two methods, namely scavenging of the free radical DPPH and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. The methanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in both assays, providing 50% inhibition at 70.9 ± 0.5 µg ml^?1 concentration in the DPPH assay and inhibiting linoleic acid oxidation to 59% at 2 mg ml^?1 concentration, whilst the essential oil showed activity only at higher concentrations. The gallic acid equivalent total phenolic content of the methanolic extract was found to be 55.2 ± 2.00 µg mg^?1 dry weight extract (5.5% w/w). The chemical composition of the hydrodistilled essential oil was analysed by means of GC/MS. Twenty‐nine constituents were identified, the main ones being piperitenone (50.61%) and pulegone (29.19%). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) leaves as source of antimicrobial and antioxidative compounds

Aqueous extracts of leaves of different hazel (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars (Cv. M. Bollwiller, Fertille de Coutard and Daviana), were analysed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD for the definition of their phenolic composition. Antioxidant potential was assessed by the reducing power assay, and the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and β-carotene linoleate model system. Their antimicrobial capacity was also tested against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans). Eight phenolic compounds were identified: 3-, 4- and 5-caffeoylquinic acids, caffeoyltartaric acid, p-coumaroyltartaric acid, myricetin-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside and kaempferol 3-rhamnoside. A p-coumaric acid, three myricetin and one quercetin derivatives were also detected. The hazel leaves extract presented high antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent way, in general with similar behaviour of all cultivars. Gram positive bacteria revealed to be very sensitive to hazel leaf extract (MIC 0.1 mg/ml for B. cereus and S. aureus and 1 mg/ml for B. subtilis). However, Gram negative and the fungi displayed much lower sensitivity, being P. aeruginosa and C. albicans resistant at 100 mg/ml. Cv. M. Bollwiller exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity.     

Compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Helichrysum (Asteraceae) species collected from Turkey

The methanolic extracts of 16 Helichrysum species were investigated for their in vitro antioxidant, radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. The highest total antioxidant capacity as ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) of 194.64 mg/g dry extract was obtained for Helichrysum noeanum in the phosphomolybdenum assay. The highest IC₅₀ value (7.95 μg/ml) was observed for the extract of Helichrysum stoechas subsp. barellieri in the DPPH assay. The total phenolic contents of the extracts ranged from 66.74 to 160.63 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract. The major component present in the extracts was identified as chlorogenic acid followed by apigenin-7-glucoside and apigenin by HPLC analysis. All the extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against microorganisms containing 13 bacteria and two yeasts in the agar diffusion method.     

Antimicrobial activity of food-compatible plant extracts and chitosan against naturally occurring micro-organisms in tomato juice

BACKGROUND: Chitosan (AC) and five hydroalcoholic extracts from Lithospermum erythrorhizon (SE), Rheum palmatum (RE), Thymus vulgaris (AT), Lippia citriodora (PLX) and a mixture of Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia lavandulifolia and Thymus mastichina (LA) were tested for antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi using two broth dilution methods. The effects of adding single extracts on naturally occurring micro‐organisms and sensory qualities of raw tomato juice were also evaluated. RESULTS: SE extract exhibited the strongest activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 100–400 µg mL^?1 for Gram‐positive and 1600–3200 µg mL^?1 for Gram‐negative bacteria. Enterobacter aerogenes showed the greatest susceptibility to AC (MIC 1600 µg mL^?1). Lethal effects of extracts and AC were achieved at a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC ratio of 2 in 88% of assays. SE and RE extracts and AC also exhibited antifungal effect against yeasts, but they had no activity on filamentous fungi. Control and 100 mg L^?1 SE‐added tomato juices did not differ in acceptance, but this SE concentration was not effective in the control of microbial load throughout cold storage. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts, but additional research is needed until the agents responsible for the activities have been determined in order to use them as natural constituents of multiple‐barrier food preservation systems. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of antimicrobial gummy candies with addition of bovine colostrum,essential oils and probiotics

The aim of this study was to develop antimicrobial properties of gummy candies based on bovine colostrum (BC), essential oils (EOs), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and their combinations. In addition, the heteropolysaccharide (agar), as a multifunctional polymer, was used for the antimicrobial candies preparation. The antimicrobial activities of BC, EOs (C. reticulata L., Eugenia caryophyllata, C. paradisi L., Thymus vulgaris), LAB strains (Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 and Lactobacillus paracasei LUHS244) and their combinations against pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans) were investigated. The highest antimicrobial activities were demonstrated by Thymus vulgaris and Eugenia caryophyllata EOs and their emulsions (12%), and the best formulation of components for antimicrobial gummy candies production would incorporate the BC fermented with L. paracasei LUHS244 in combination with Thymus vulgaris or Eugenia caryophyllata EOs, which inhibited growth of all the tested pathogenic microorganisms (except Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Gummy candies formula consisting of the fermented BC (up to 3%) and thyme EO (up to 0.2%) with mandarin or grapefruit EOs (up to 0.2%) for taste‐masking, allowed obtaining good texture and high overall acceptability products containing desirable antimicrobials, thus antimicrobial gummy candies could be consumer preferred form of nutraceuticals.     

Effects of methanolic extract of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) on microbial growth

The antimicrobial activity of a methanolic extract of the common edible fruit Prunus cerasus L. was evaluated. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed the abundant presence of anthocyanins. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria was in the range 2–6.6 mg mL^?1, whereas the time‐kill assay revealed that the bactericidal effect was exerted only at concentrations higher than 2× MIC. Interestingly, at concentrations lower than MIC, P. cerasus L. extract exerted a stimulating effect on bacterial proliferation and on the ability to form biofilms. In particular, a multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain showed a 30% increase in growth at low concentrations. In the light of this finding, we speculate that the use of berry extracts (rich in anthocyanins) may present some risks to human health when used as preservatives in food and cosmetic products.     

灰灰菜提取物体外抑菌活性的研究

目的：探讨灰灰菜的体外抑菌活性。方法：分别用石油醚、氯仿、乙酸乙酯对灰灰菜65% 乙醇提取物进行萃取,然后用滤纸片扩散法和最低抑菌浓度法(MIC)检测3 种萃取物对7 种人体常见致病菌生长的影响。结果：石油醚、氯仿萃取物对供试菌均无明显抑制作用,而乙酸乙酯萃取物的抑菌活性很强,其对大肠杆菌的最小抑制浓度(MIC)小于1.56mg/ml,对绿脓杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、藤黄微球菌的MIC 分别为3.13、6.25、6.25、12.5mg/ml,而对粪肠球菌和白假丝酵母的MIC 均大于50mg/ml。结论：乙酸乙酯萃取物对细菌具有明显的抑制作用,且对革兰氏阴性菌的抑制效果强于革兰氏阳性菌,但对真菌的抑制作用不明显。     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of crude onion (Allium cepa,L.) extracts

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the ethyl acetate and water subfractions of methanolic extracts of three Spanish onion varieties were assayed. Flavonoids were mainly present in ethyl acetate subfraction being 34.92 ± 0.75, 7.95 ± 0.16, 0.38 ± 0.01 μmol of rutin eq. g^?1 D.W. and its antioxidant capacity was 74.86 ± 1.77, 24.59 ± 0.67, 4.55 ± 0.44 μmol Trolox g^?1 D.W. of Grano de Oro, Fuentes de Ebro and Calçot de Valls varieties, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of flavonol standards and onion extracts was evaluated against some food spoiler microorganisms. Quercetin and kaempferol were inhibitory against gram positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Microcroccus luteus and Listeria monocytogenes. Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were less sensible to the antimicrobial effect of both flavonol standards and Candida albicans was totally resistant. Among the onion extracts tested only ethyl acetate subfraction showed antimicrobial inhibition.