SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM CORIANDRUM SATIVUM AND GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA: CHARACTERIZATION AND EFFICACY EVALUATION

Abstract

Essential oils from Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) are renowned for their broad-spectrum biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the potential synergistic enhancement of these activities by combining the two oils. The essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis identified 23 compounds in C. sativum oil, with linalool (80.66%) as the predominant component, while G. glabra oil was characterized by three major compounds. The individual and combined oils were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens and for antioxidant potential. The combination (25 µL each) demonstrated significantly enhanced efficacy, showing the highest average zone of inhibition (17.5 mm) against Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the oil mixture surpassed that of each oil alone. These findings confirm a positive synergistic interaction, underscoring the potential of a formulated blend of C. sativum and G. glabra essential oils as a potent natural alternative for applications in food preservation and therapeutic agents.