In vitro antimicrobial activities of five essential oils of Lamiaceae of Togo against representative strains of cutaneous microflora

Five essential oils of African Lamiaceae (Aeolanthus pubescens Bent., Ocimum canum Sims., O. gratissimum L., O. sanctum L., Platostoma africanum P,B.) have been investigated chemically by means of GC-MS. Chemotypes have been clearly defined. Antibacterial and antifungal tests in vitro have been undertaken upon strains of humans and pets cutaneous microfloras, In culture, these oils don't destroy the saprophytes. On the contrary, Aeolanthus pubescens, Ocimum gratissimum (thymol chemotypes) and Platostoma africanum (methyl-eugenol and eugenol chemotype) inhibit the development of many pathogenic fungi.