GC-MS analysis and Synergistic Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Dermatophytes by Novel Plant Oil Blends Developed for Skin and Hair Therapy

Skin and hair infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens pose significant health risks, which are exacerbated by the rising prevsalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antimicrobial potential of plant-based oil blends against selected pathogens that affect the skin and hair. Phytochemical screening of individual plant oils, including garlic, tea tree, black seed, rosemary, moringa, lavender, sesame, coconut, and palm kernel oils, revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides, which contribute to their antimicrobial properties. Three oil formulations (A, B, and C) were developed and assessed for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Malassezia globosa using the disk diffusion assay and the 96-well plate method. The results showed that all formulations exhibited varying antimicrobial activity, with Formulation A demonstrating the highest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (23.3±7.8 mm), while Formulation B showed the strongest activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (10.9±12.7 mm), Trichophyton tonsurans (28.1±9.8 mm), and Malassezia globosa (12.7±0.6 mm). However, none of the formulations exhibited a bactericidal or fungicidal effect at the tested concentration. Each antimicrobial test was carried out in duplicate. GC-MS analysis of Formulation B, which showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, identified 21 bioactive constituents, including terpenes, esters, aldehydes, and fatty acids, which may contribute to its antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that the formulated plant-based oil blends have potential as natural antimicrobial agents, capable of inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth, in addition to their use in skin and hair treatments. However, further optimization and in vivo studies are necessary to assess their therapeutic efficacy and potential application in skin and hair care formulations.