A Chemical, Bacteriological, Toxicological and Clinical Study of the Essential Oil of<i>Lippia multiflora</i>Mold. (Verbenaceae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The leaf oil of Lippia multiflora was examined by GC and GC/MS and found to contain (Z)-tagetone (11.3%) and (E)-tagetone (30.2%) as major constituents. It was found to be highly active against isolated microorangisms of the buccal flora. A mouthwash prepared at a dilution of 1/500 of the essential oil showed the same activity as the oil. Tests for toxicity proved negative. The results obtained thus far reveal a particularly promising potential for the large scale use of L. multiflora.