Abstract
Essential oils have been traded and consumed in every house, for either health and skin care purposes. Essential Oils are volatile, concentrated, hydrophobic liquids containing aromatic compounds from plants. They are obtained via steam or hydro-distillation, it has been used as food remedies or beauty product and can be easily obtained from the local markets. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial effect of the most used commercial essential oils (Black seed, Lemongrass, Oregano, Marjoram) against selected microorganisms. Antimicrobial activity of the selected essential oils was investigated using agar diffusion method. Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) as fungus, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) were used in this study and adjusted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The results showed that the Black seed oil has the most potential bactericidal effect.