In vitro antimicrobial activity of Frankincense combined with Turmeric extract

Turmeric has potent ingredients rejuvenating skin lightening and glow. It has wound healing efficacy due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action properties. Frankincense also protects skin cells and possesses anti-inflammatory actions. This research aims to study the role of whether frankincense modifies the action of turmeric as an antimicrobials. The Soxhlet apparatus and the maceration were used for taking turmeric and frankincense extract (including Al-Najdi and Al-Houjari) using ethanol and methanol as solvent. The turmeric and frankincense extract and their combination at three concentrations were used for the determination of antimicrobial activity by well diffusion method. The results showed that frankincense interferes with the antibacterial action of turmeric extract as it decreases the zone of inhibition to 14-15 mm/14-16 mm when combined (turmeric + Al-Najdi) and 15-17 mm/15-16 mm (turmeric + Al-Houjari) than turmeric extract alone 16-18 mm/18-20 mm against S. aureus and B. subtilis. The interference increases when both types of frankincense (Al-Najdi and Al-Houjari) were combined with turmeric extract as it shows no antibacterial action against S. aureus and decreased the zone of inhibition (14-16 mm) as compared to turmeric alone against B. subtilis. The frankincense might increase the anti-inflammatory actions and help rejuvenate and protect the skin with turmeric. However, frankincense is unable to increase the antimicrobial activity when combined with turmeric against S. aureus and B. subtilis compared to turmeric extract used alone.