VANAS HAND SANITIZER WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF MINT ESSENTIAL OIL

As hand hygiene has become crucial in this era of pandemic, use of anti-microbial and other chemicals in such products can raise the level of anti-microbial resistance of pathogens. Essential oil' action on pathogen can reinforce anti-microbial action and control their resistance to other antimicrobial constituents.

Antimicrobial properties of many essential oils are being researched by scientists in India and worldwide. Many of these focus on mitigating increasing resistance of microbes against conventional drugs and chemicals. Essential oils contain a no. of plant secondary metabolites like terpenes, phenols, acids, alcohols, aldehyde and esters, which are important for their functions ranging from protection to attracting insects towards plants for pollination. These compounds may also beneficial for us. In folk medicines and Ayurveda antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of plant parts/extracts are being used for a long time. Their broad-spectrum activity is now being used for action against drug resistant microbes as well. Antiseptic, Disinfectant and sanitization products based on plant Essential oils are becoming popular because of scientific evidences as well as their natural fragrance and source. Many essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon and mint oil have bioactive compounds which are effective in destroying human pathogen. Disinfectants and antiseptic products based on these can be a good choice for consumers.