Satureja horvatii essential oil: in vitro antimicrobial and antiradical properties and in situ control of Listeria monocytogenes in pork meat

Meat Sci. 2014 Mar;96(3):1355-60. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.11.024. Epub 2013 Dec 1.

Abstract

The dominant compounds in Satureja horvatii oil were p-cymene (33.14%), thymol (26.11%) and thymol methyl ether (15.08%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied from 0.03 to 0.57 mg/mL for bacteria, and from 0.56 to 2.23 mg/mL for yeast strains, while minimum bactericidal/yeast-cidal concentration (MBC/MYC) varied from 0.07 to 1.15 mg/mL and 1.11 to 5.57 mg/mL for bacteria and yeasts, respectively. The antiradical potential of the essential oil was evaluated using hydroxyl radical (•OH) generated in Fenton reaction. The meat preserving potential of essential oil from Satureja horvatii was investigated against L. monocytogenes. Essential oil successfully inhibited development of L. monocytogenes in pork meat. Sensorial evaluation on flavor and color of meat was performed. The color and flavor of meat treated with essential oil improved after 4 days of storage. S. horvatii essential oil can act as a potent inhibitor of food spoiling microorganisms, in meat products and also can be a useful source of natural antioxidants.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Antiradical activity; Listeria monocytogenes; Pork meat; Satureja horvatii; Sensorial evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cymenes
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Food Preservation
  • Listeria monocytogenes / drug effects*
  • Meat / microbiology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Monoterpenes / pharmacology*
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Satureja / chemistry*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Cymenes
  • Monoterpenes
  • Oils, Volatile
  • 4-cymene