Antimicrobial activity of hard candy with basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) essential oil addition

Abstract

The basil plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and contains various active compounds, including phenols, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils. These compounds have antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, two types of bacteria that can cause bad breath. The addition of basil essential oil to hard candy has the potential to reduce bad breath. This study aimed to determine the concentration effect of basil essential oil on hard candy in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and its acceptance by the panelists. This research was conducted with five treatments with variations in the concentration of basil essential oil, which were 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%. The results showed that the higher basil essential oil concentration in hard candy inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The best treatment was at 0.75% basil essential oil, with sensory panelist acceptance for color 69%, aroma 57%, taste 43%, and overall 58%. Several compounds in basil essential oil, including linalool, eugenol, caryophyllene, and trans-α-bergamotene, are thought to contribute to the ability of this candy to inhibit microbial growth.