Antibiotic property of essential Oil from African plants

Essential oils are substances obtained from plant materials and are complex mixtures whose composition varies. In this study the chemical composition larvicidal antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracted essential oils from some aromatic plants were evaluated. Essential oils have been widely used as food flavors which depends on the types and amount of constituents present in oil. Also the aromatic compounds and pigments in them contribute to varying colors of essential oil. Essential oils have been known to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities thereby serving as natural additives in foods and food products. It can be used as active compounds in packaging materials where it enhances the water vapor barrier/ hydrophobicity of those materials. Any part of a plant may be the source of the Essential oil which could be extracted and fully exploited for food or others applications.