Antimicrobial Evaluation and Fraction-Based Profiling of Basil Essential Oil Against Vaginal Pathogens

Basil (<i>Ocimum basilicum</i> L.) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of basil essential oil (BEO) and identified its key bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity testing, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays, returned EC₅₀ values of 115.36 and 54.77 µg/mL, respectively. BEO demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against <i>Gardnerella vaginalis</i>, <i>Fannyhessea vaginae</i>, <i>Chryseobacterium gleum</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>, with inhibition zones of up to 25.88 mm and MIC values ranging from 31 to 500 µg/mL. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) identified monoterpene, phenylpropene, and sesquiterpene derivatives in BEO. In addition, Fraction 3 (Fr. 3) obtained by preparative HPLC had the highest antimicrobial activity, and methyl trans-cinnamate was identified as the primary active compound in this fraction. BEO had no toxic effect on <i>Lactobacillus crispatus</i> or human dermal fibroblasts. These findings support the traditional use of basil and highlight its potential as a safe, natural therapeutic agent with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.