A new study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that coriander oil is very effective in killing a number of bacteria strains including E.coli, salmonella and the MRSA superbug.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Beira Interior in Portugal who tested the oil on 12 different strains of bacteria and found that it was effective in reducing the growth of all the 12 strains.
AdvertisementThe researchers added that most of the bacteria were killed by using a solution that contained less than 1.6 percent of the oil.
Lead researcher Fernanda Domingues said that the results of the study suggest that coriander oil can be used as a very effective preservative against bacteria. "These results, showing a potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria due to membrane permeability, are noteworthy and justify the use of this plant, not only as a food flavouring agent, but also as a food preservative in order to prevent bacterial spoilage of foods", he said.