Evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) oil on various pathogens.

ABSTRACT Aim: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the polyphenolic component of Camellia sinensis catechins, and Camellia sinensis extract have broad antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to investigate the invitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of the Epigallocatechin gallate and Camellia sinensis extract. Method: The present study tested the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Epigallocatechin gallate and Camellia sinensis extract against some gram-negative, gram-positive, and fungal isolates of American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and Camellia sinensis extract were determined for each test microorganism. In general, EGCG and Camellia sinensis extract results were found compatible. Epigallocatechin gallate and Camellia sinensis extract exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity against all test organisms. MIC was determined visually after 16-20 hours of incubation at 37°C according to broth microdilution methods recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Result: The Camellia sinensis extract and EGCG MIC for gram-positive bacteria was found lower than the MIC for gram-negative bacteria and the Camellia sinensis extract MIC for C. albicans was higher than the EGCG MIC. Conclusions: However, EGCG was more effective on C. albicans isolate than Camellia sinensis extract. Camellia sinensis extract Epigallocatechin gallate and Camellia sinensis extract may be a promising source of antibacterial and antifungal for further studies. Keywords: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Green tea, Camellia sinensis, Antibacterial effect, Antifungal effect.