DETERMINATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF ORIGANUM VULGARE CLONES GROWN IN LATVIA

Origanum vulgare is widely used for pharmaceutical purposes and in folk medicine. Origanum vulgare clones grown in Latvia differ in their phytochemical content and morphological features. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial and antiradical activity of 10 oregano clones grown at the genetic resources collection of medical and herb plants at Latvia University of Agriculture. The antibacterial activity was assessed against bacteria Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylocoocus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus. Sensitivity tests were performed in liquid nutrient media for bacteria. Ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers were added to the growth media. Extract and media proportion was 1:20. Growth of microorganisms was detected spectrophotometrically at wavelength 550 nm after 24 h of incubation at 28°C. Origanum vulgare leaves and flowers demonstrated different activity. The antimicrobial activity depends on O. vulgare clone. Various Origanum vulgare clones and plant parts showed different activity on the tested microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive, but on Bacillus cereus oregano extract was inactive. Correlation between antiradical activity and genotype O. vulgare was found.