Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antivirulent Potential of Essential Oils Isolated from L. ssp. Aerial Parts.

As a consequence of the worsening situation with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and a disparity in the commercialization of novel antimicrobial agents, scientists have been prompted to seek out new compounds with antimicrobial activity from a wide range of sources, including medicinal plants. In the present study, the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-virulence, and resistance-modulating properties of the essential oil from the Sardinian endemic L. ssp. aerial parts were evaluated. The GC/MS analysis showed that the main compounds in the oil were α-pinene (56.63 ± 0.24%), limonene (14.66 ± 0.11%), and β-pinene (13.42 ± 0.09%). The essential oil showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (0.25-2 %) and spp. (4 %). The strongest fungicidal activity was recorded against sessile cells (median FICI was 0.088) but not against biofilms (median FICI was 1). The oil showed potent efflux pump inhibitory properties in the case of and . The therapeutic potential of Juniperus may be promising for future more extensive research and in vivo tests to develop new drugs against antibiotic and antifungal resistance.