Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of commercial aromatizing fragrances

AIM: To explore the bioactivities of commercial fragrances. MATERIALS & METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of 25 commercial fragrances was assessed with pathogenic bacteria and fungi in vapor phase. Inflammatory response was evaluated by the measurement of cytokines. RESULTS: Several fragrances were able to kill the microorganisms. Moreover, preparations of binary mixtures of the most active fragrances showed a synergistic effect. Regarding the inflammatory response, none of the tested fragrances showed a pro-inflammatory response, but two fragrances upregulated the secretion of IL-10 from macrophages. CONCLUSION: The antimicrobial activities of fragrances represent a new approach to control airborne pathogens.