Abstract:

Active substances extracted from Cichorium intybus L. stems with 95% ethanol were subjected to analysis of antimicrobial activities against four species of fungi and four species of bacteria by filter paper disc agar diffusion technique. Results showed that the extract had broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against fungi and bacteria and the activities increased with the increasing concentration of extract. However, no effects were observed against Bacillus thuringiensis and saprophytic fungus (Rhizopus sp.) The extract possessed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations when compared to commercial antipreservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. It exhibited high thermal stability and high antimicrobial capacities within a wide range of pH without pH adjustment for food.

Key words: Cichorium intybus L., ethanol extracts, anti-microbial activities