Deorose: Effectiveness of Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus Spenn.) Oil As Cream to Eliminate Body Odor-Causing Bacteria Staphylococcus Hominis
Eliakim Justin L. Ardiente, Van Llyod D. Asegurado, Mykhaela Calumpong, Lavigne Kate Pones, Christine Eunice B. Rojo, Alzhea H. Tanqueco
Basic Education Department, Cor Jesu College, Inc.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12040151
Received: 08 April 2025; Accepted: 17 April 2025; Published: 24 May 2025
Body odor is produced when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, leading to various smells that can range from sweet to tangy or even onion-like, depending on the specific bacterial strains and the chemicals they generate. An unpleasant body odor can notably impact an individual’s social life and mental health. While hygiene practices are often the primary factor contributing to body odor, they can also indicate underlying medical issues. In recent years, many people have turned to natural methods for body odor control, motivated by concerns regarding the potentially harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and additives in traditional products. As awareness grows around skin health, personal hygiene, and environmental sustainability, there has been a significant increase in demand for healthy, eco-friendly hygiene solutions. Additionally, worries about skin irritation, rashes, and the possible long-term health risks associated with chemical-based products have further propelled interest in natural alternatives.
Globally, odorants contain many chemicals that the human body can produce. When produced in small amounts, these chemicals are essential for normal biological functions and do not typically cause unpleasant odors. On the other hand, an excessive buildup of these substances on the skin may result in noticeable odors (Felman, 2023). Despite their widespread use, traditional deodorants and antiperspirants have caused concerns because of potential health risks. According to Penn Medicine (2024), specific individuals experience allergic responses to antiperspirants or deodorants. This study indicates that substances such as lanolin, parabens, vitamin E, essential oils (often utilized in scents), and propylene glycol, which provides structure to deodorant sticks, may be responsible. Thus, due to the growing trend towards safer and natural alternatives, there has become a greater interest in plant-based essential oils as natural deodorizers.
Several odor-causing bacteria have been seen in the human body, one of which is the presence of Staphylococcus hominis. It is a widespread Gram-positive bacterium that consistently and profusely inhabits human skin, appearing in large quantities in various body places (Sapkota, 2022). Its widespread prevalence across various populations indicates that it is a common occurrence. Studies conducted in countries like the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America have consistently identified that one of the main elements of the skin microbiome is S. hominis (Jiang et al., 2012). A study conducted in the United States by Grice et al. (2010) found that S. hominis was one of the most abundant bacterial species on the skin of healthy adults. Studies in Africa have also confirmed the existence of S. hominis in the skin microbiome of individuals from several regions (Ngondi et al., 2019). Some studies have linked S. hominis to skin conditions like acne and eczema, while others have suggested its potential benefits in protecting against it.
Promising alternatives were already available in the market, especially for treating S. hominis. Rosemary oil is one of the sought-after materials for treating different types of bacterial problems. Rosemary is an aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, known for its therapeutic properties. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and has been used in folk medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics (De Macedo et al., 2020). According to Jafari-Sales and Pashazadeh (2020), rosemary has significant antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, inhibiting various pathogenic bacteria, with 1.8 Cineole and α-pinene as the main compounds, with a result from S. aureus of 0.625 MIC and 1.25 MBC, E. coli of 1.25 MIC and 2.5 MBC. While various natural alternatives show promising antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, exploring more plant alternatives remains essential. These findings highlight rosemary’s capability as a herbal and effective antibacterial agent, providing promising applications in health and wellness solutions worldwide.
There are many effective ways to treat S. hominis, from natural treatments to systemic therapies. One of them is oregano oil, which, at a low concentration of 0.4%, has demonstrated good antibacterial activity against S. hominis due to its phenolic compounds, particularly carvacrol (Hirsch et al., 2024). Aziz et al. (2021) also found that rosemary oil, which contains 67% carvacrol, may help eliminate gram-positive bacteria such as S. hominis. Another example is lavender essential oil, a plant product that can improve the human immune system and has antibacterial properties against S. hominis (Gismondi et al., 2021). Those are promising natural treatments, including oregano oil; lavender has shown significant antibacterial properties when treating gram-positive bacteria like S. hominis. These plant alternatives feature the potential bacterial treatment, emphasizing the need for further study to enhance their application in medicine and healthcare.
Traditional remedies for personal care, including body odor management, have long been a part of ASEAN cultural practices. In Southeast Asia, humid environments often lead to body odor issues; Vietnam is no exception. Vietnamese individuals frequently face odor concerns, especially when riding motorcycles in the rain (Sovacool et al., 2021). Similarly, countries like Thailand have a long-standing tradition of utilizing herbal medicine, including plants with antibacterial and deodorizing properties (Thiengsusuk et al., 2013). In Malaysia, researchers stated that different types of DESs were used to get extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, which showed they could fight against mycobacteria, likely by harming the bacteria’s cell walls. However, for a clearer understanding, the compounds that showed activity in this research must go through a process of being separated and cleaned up.
Rosemary has been investigated for its antibacterial properties, with studies focusing on its ability to inhibit and kill bacterial strains through in vitro testing methods. In Turkey, researchers found that R. officinalis antibacterial activity was tested using the broth microdilution assay and the in vitro antibacterial activity to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The n-hexane fraction showed strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus (78 μg/mL), moderate activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Helicobacter pylori (both at 156 μg/mL), and weak or no activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC > 1000 μg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited moderate activity against S. aureus (312 μg/mL) and E. faecalis (625 μg/mL) but had no significant effect on the other tested bacteria (MIC > 1000 μg/mL). For comparison, the antibiotics chloramphenicol and tetracycline demonstrated much lower MICs, indicating stronger antibacterial effects, while amikacin was only active against M. smegmatis (250 μg/mL) (Karadağ et al., 2019). The antibacterial properties of R. officinalis demonstrate its potential as a natural solution for managing body odor. Further research will make it more effective, combining ancient techniques with contemporary science to provide safer alternatives for personal hygiene.
Essential oils are increasingly popular in do-it-yourself products due to their well-documented antibacterial and antifungal properties. Essential oils contain natural plant qualities that work as antibacterials and antifungals. These properties also prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing on the skin (Mascia, 2024). Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), a thorny plant commonly found in the Philippines, is known for its various health benefits (Ghasemzadeh, 2020). Body odor is a common issue (Mitro et al., 2012), often influenced by the country’s humid climate, daily activities, and personal hygiene habits (Gregoriou et al., 2019). Too much sweating and bacteria on the skin can cause bad odors, which may lower confidence and affect social interactions with others. Traditional remedies like tawas and calamansi offer solutions, but may cause skin irritation. As awareness of natural personal care products grows, interest in plant-based alternatives with antibacterial properties continues to rise.
Studies on body odor solutions in the Philippines show a preference for natural remedies. According to Penn Medicine (2019), most Filipinos still rely on commercial deodorants, which often contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores. Natural alternatives such as tawas (potassium alum) and apple cider vinegar (ACV) are commonly used due to their antibacterial properties. A study of alum indicates that a 5% alum solution created inhibition zones of 27 mm against S. aureus and 23 mm against E. coli, demonstrating antimicrobial activity (Bnyan et al., 2014). Similarly to apple cider vinegar (ACV), known for its antibacterial and pH-balancing properties (O’Neill, 2020), showed inhibition zones ranging from 11 ± 0.7 mm to 19 ± 0.5 mm against various bacterial strains (Ousaaid et al., 2021). Additionally, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) oil has demonstrated antibacterial activity, with studies reporting inhibition zones of 12 mm against S. aureus (Khasanova et al., 2021), making it a viable option for natural odor control. As awareness of natural and skin-friendly personal care products grows, the shift toward safer deodorizing solutions will continue (De Guzman, 2020).
The existing knowledge gap highlights the insufficiency of local studies focused on the antibacterial effectiveness of rosemary oil. Furthermore, additional research is necessary in the province to establish a direct connection between the efficacy of rosemary oil and the elimination of odor-causing bacteria. This study aims to assess the efficacy of rosemary oil. Rosemary’s antibacterial properties can eliminate body odor. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this plant-based oil in preventing body odor-causing bacteria. The findings of this study acknowledge more natural solutions than the commonly used deodorants containing various chemicals to prevent body odor.
According to Daniel Moerman’s Theory of Non-random Selection of Medicinal Plants, the evolutionary history of these plants plays a significant role in their choice for medicinal use. This theory seeks to show that traditional medicinal systems are logical and partially rely on the healing properties of plants (Arias, 2018). The theory of non-random selection of medicinal plants offers a valuable framework for comprehending why rosemary oil is selected for your research on eliminating body odor-causing bacteria. Ethnobiological investigations have focused on identifying factors that interfere with the criteria adopted for selecting plants, especially medicinal plants, by different populations, confirming the theory that plant selection is not random (Gomes et al., 2023).
Statement of the Problem
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rosemary oil in inhibiting the growth of S. hominis, a bacterium associated with body odor. Specifically, the study addressed the following questions:
1. What is the zone of inhibition of S. hominis when rosemary oil as cream is subjected to the following concentrations:
1.1. 50% concentration (5 g rosemary oil in 5 g of shea butter cream base);
1.2. 25% concentration (2.5 g rosemary oil in 7.5 g of shea butter cream base); and
1.3. 12.5% concentration (1.25 g rosemary oil in 8.75 g of shea butter cream base)?
2. What is the zone of inhibition of the bacteria when subjected to the commercial deodorant?
3. Is there a significant difference between rosemary oil and commercial deodorant in eliminating body odor-causing bacteria (S. hominis)?
Hypothesis
To answer the given problems listed in the preceding section objectively, the given null hypothesis was formulated:
Ho: There is no significant difference between using rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) oil and commercial deodorant in eliminating body odor-causing bacteria.
Significance of the Study
The result of this study would be beneficial to the following stakeholders:
Department of Health. This study could inform public health initiatives promoting natural hygiene and healthier skin care practices. It may influence policy decisions regarding natural deodorant products, potentially including rosemary oil as a safe and effective ingredient
Deodorant Manufacturing Companies. This study could provide valuable information for developing new, natural deodorant products, potentially utilizing rosemary oil as a safe and effective ingredient.
Individuals exhibit malodor. This study could help individuals feel less self-conscious about their body odor and provide them with a natural solution to a common concern. It could also give them knowledge of natural remedies for the common problem.
Future Researchers. The study could provide valuable data on the effectiveness and safety of rosemary oil cream for preventing body odor, paving the way for further research and development of natural deodorant products.
Scope and Limitations
This study focused on terminating S. hominis, a specific bacterium found in the armpit that contributes to foul body odor. Conducted in a laboratory center in Davao del Sur, from October 2024 to April 2025, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rosemary oil cream in eliminating this bacterium. The bacteria were legally acquired and exposed to the independent variable, with any reduction or elimination documented for future research. Utilizing a true experimental research design, the study observed the bacteria’s response to the rosemary cream, following proper formulation procedures based on existing literature on rosemary oil’s antimicrobial properties.
While this study sought to provide insights into the potential of rosemary oil as a natural deodorant alternative, it did not explore long-term effects or its impact on individuals with pre-existing skin conditions or allergies. The study only focuses on three concentrations (5%, 25%, and 12.5%) and does not explore higher or lower doses that might affect the results. In addition, the researchers only fermented the rosemary oil for two weeks, which may affect the potency of its antimicrobial properties compared to longer infusion periods. It also did not assess the shelf life of the product, which is also an important factor in its overall effectiveness and safety. Lastly, the study only compares rosemary oil cream to a commercial deodorant, limiting its scope in comparing other natural alternatives.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were defined and elaborated on to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of the key components of this study.
Bacterial Inhibition. Bacterial Inhibition is an area of media where bacteria are impotent to grow, caused by the presence of a drug that impedes their growth. (LibreTexts, 2024). It refers to the in vitro level of resistance of S. hominis strains to rosemary oil.
Body Odor. Body odor occurs when sweat interacts with skin bacteria (Professional, 2025). It refers to the bacteria that causes the odor. It was measured after the cream is applied in three concentrations and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Rosemary Oil. Rosemary is an evergreen plant that is related to a mint family called Lamiaceae, its leaves are utilized to flavor foods (Britannica, 2025). In scientific terms, Salvia rosmarinus is an active ingredient in a cream formulation that reduces or eliminates bacteria that cause body odor.
Staphylococcus hominis. S. hominis is a gram-positive coccus that is positive for catalase and divides into irregular clusters, resembling a bunch of grapes when observed under a microscope (Notes, 2024). It refers to the bacteria that can cause body odor.
Zone of Inhibition. The zone of inhibition is a circular area surrounding the antibiotic spot where bacteria colonies cannot grow (Hartline, 2023). It is used to measure the effectiveness of the alternative.
This chapter encompasses the methodologies employed in carrying out the study. It covers aspects such as research design, the subject of the study, sampling procedure, data gathering, and measuring.
Research Design
In this study, the researchers implemented a true experimental strategy, specifically utilizing the posttest-only design. In this design, subjects were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. After an initial measurement of the dependent variables of interest, the treatment group received a treatment, and the dependent variables were measured again (Bhattacharjee, 2012). These data were then compared between groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment or intervention (Renbarger & Morgan, 2018). This approach allowed for a thorough comparative analysis of the effects of the treatment.
Additionally, the investigation aimed to determine if Salvia rosmarinus could be used as an ingredient in an antimicrobial cream targeting Staphylococcus hominis, a bacterium associated with body odor. Therefore, the study employed a posttest-only design. This is distinct from the pretest-posttest non-equivalent comparison group design, wherein a treatment group receives a pretest, undergoes a treatment, and subsequently takes a posttest. Meanwhile, a non-equivalent comparison group also took a pretest but did not receive the treatment, followed by a posttest (Jhangiani et al., 2019). This design allowed researchers to examine bacterial growth changes following plant exposure without requiring an initial measurement. Therefore, the posttest-only design was chosen for this study to analyze bacterial growth in samples after exposure to varying plant extract concentrations, suggesting that this was the most suitable design for the study.
Subject of the Study
This research focused on eliminating bacteria, especially S. hominis, a gram-positive staphylococcus that primarily exists as a commensal organism on human skin. This bacterium can exist in moist areas of the body, like axillae (underarms), with several apocrine glands that keep hold of some amount of moisture (Sapkota, 2022). This bacterium can cause a bad odor on the skin.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Rosemary’s antibacterial properties in an oil extract on eliminating S. hominis, using three (3) cultured S. hominis for each test and another three (3) for the control group as subjects. The bacteria were cultured by a licensed Medical Technologist in Tagum City and taken directly from a patient’s eye. The study was focused on eliminating bacteria; they did not consider variables such as sex, side effects on the skin, or lifestyle. The research was conducted on the property of Digos Doctors Hospital. The facility was in control of carrying out the experiment and providing the necessary equipment to carry out the study.
Sampling Technique
This experiment used a Complete Random Design (CRD) to ensure unbiased results. Bacterial samples were selected randomly, preventing any influence on the selection process. This approach improves the credibility of the findings by eliminating bias. DiCiaccio (2023) stated that researchers often use CRD for observation and data collection. The design relies on distribution to make statistical inference while maintaining strong internal validity through randomization. This ensures each strain has an equal chance of being tested, reducing bias and increasing representativeness. Additionally, random sampling enhances external validity by making the results more applicable to the broader population of Staphylococcus hominis.
Data Gathering Procedure
Data collection procedures were essential to the research process, contributing to the results’ reliability and validity. This part of the research report elaborates in detail the methods used to collect the data, clearly understanding the process of obtaining the required information. Prior to data collection, we obtained formal permission from the school principal to ensure ethical compliance. Additionally, pre-experimental protocols are done to prepare the environment as well as the participants.
A. Collection and Extraction of Plant Materials
B. Formulation of Concentrations
The collected rosemary leaves were dried and infused with a carrier oil to extract the rosemary oil. The extracted oil was produced by the maceration method (Alzomor et al., 2015). The extracted rosemary oil was then added to a cream base and gently stirred to combine the oil and the base.
C. Preparation of Bacterial Strain and Culture Media
D. Determination of the Antimicrobial Activity
4.1. The area was consistently monitored, and measurements were taken to track its effectiveness.
Measures
This quantitative study utilized the agar well diffusion method, a widely recognized technique introduced by Naskar et al. (2020), to evaluate the antibacterial activity of rosemary oil against S. hominis. Plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C, and the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) diameter surrounding each well was measured with a ruler to determine the oil’s antibacterial effectiveness. The essential oil of rosemary demonstrated an impressive level of antimicrobial activity, with 65% of anti-infectious activity studies highlighting its effectiveness (Anastasiou et al., 2019). This high level of efficacy demonstrates the potential of rosemary oil as a natural antibacterial agent. Additionally, Hudzicki (2016) was used to interpret the zone of inhibition to assess the antibacterial activity of the ointment. The diameter of the inhibition zone was deemed resistant if it measured less than 14 mm, moderate if it ranged from 15 to 17 mm, and sensitive if it was 18 mm or greater.
Salvia rosmarinus-derived ingredients were most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as skin Conditioning or fragrance agents. Based on studies done on animals and humans, rosemary oil has been proven safe to use (Fiume et al., 2018). Through the study, the researchers aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of rosemary oil as a natural antimicrobial agent against S. hominis. The observations were collected and categorized based on the Interpretation Table and systematically analyzed to understand rosemary oil’s antibacterial efficacy and potential applications in addressing body odor-related bacterial activity.
Table 1. Staphylococcus Hominis’ Growth Inhibition Interpretation
| Mean Score Interval | Descriptive Equivalent | Interpretation |
| ≥18 mm | Susceptible | The antibacterial activity provided an excellent picture of the zone of inhibition. |
| 15.00 mm –17.00 mm | Moderate | The antibacterial activity indicated a reasonable zone of inhibition. |
| ≤14 mm | Resistant | The antibacterial activity produced a poor representation of the zone of inhibition. |
Data Analysis
The mentioned statistical procedure was used to examine the collected data and respond to the study’s research questions:
This chapter deals with the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data. The first part describes the levels of antibacterial activity of each concentration. The second part presents the significance of the difference among different concentrations of rosemary oil in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus hominis.
Inhibitory Activity of Rosemary Oil Cream Against Staphylococcus hominis
The study determined the effectiveness of the rosemary oil as cream on the growth inhibition of S. hominis with three different treatments: Treatment 1 – 5 g rosemary oil in 5 g of shea butter cream base; Treatment 2 – 2.5 g rosemary oil in 7.5 g of shea butter cream base; and Treatment 3 – 1.25 g rosemary oil in 8.75 g of and shea butter cream base. The researchers determined the inhibitory activity on each concentration by seeing the zone of inhibition per treatment in each replication (R1, R2, R3). Hence, the researchers obtained the following results.
Table 2. Inhibitory Activity of Rosemary Oil Cream Against Staphylococcus hominis
| Treatments | Zone of Inhibition (in mm) | Mean | SD | Description | ||
| R1 | R2 | R3 | ||||
| T1 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 11.00 | 4.00 | Resistant |
| T2 | 9 | 8 | 20 | 12.33 | 6.66 | Resistant |
| T3 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 14.33 | 1.53 | Moderate |
Table 2 shows the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of rosemary essential oil on the inhibition of S. hominis. The results indicate that the treatments exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. hominis. The sample treated with T1, which contains 5 g of rosemary oil mixed with 5 g of shea butter cream base, showed the lowest zone of inhibition compared to the other treatments. T2, which contains 2.5 g of rosemary oil in 7.5 g of the cream base, and T3, with 1.25 g of rosemary oil in 8.75 g of the cream base, were also tested. T3 displayed the lowest standard deviation of 1.53 mm, indicating minimal variation and consistent antibacterial effects across the three replicates. In contrast, T1 exhibited a slightly higher standard deviation of 4.00 mm, suggesting moderate variability in its inhibition zones. T2 had the highest standard deviation of 6.66 mm, indicating significant variability and inconsistent antibacterial effects. The broad range of inhibition zones observed in T2, which spanned from 8 mm to 20 mm, may reflect inconsistencies in the treatment effectiveness.
This finding supports the study of Sales and Pashazadeh (2020), which proves the significant antibacterial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which is S. aureus is a close relative of S. hominis. Their research identified key bioactive compounds such as 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, which contributed to the inhibitory effects on bacterial growth. They also discovered that even small amounts of rosemary oil (0.625%) were enough to slow down S. aureus, similar to how it worked against Staphylococcus hominis in this study. Additionally, their findings showed a zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 12 mm to 22 mm, depending on the concentration of rosemary oil applied.
Inhibitory Activity of Commercial Treatment Against Staphylococcus hominis
The study included the inhibitory activity of the positive control using commercial treatment for S. hominis using an antibacterial deodorant. A zone of inhibition test was utilized to determine the antibacterial activity of commercial deodorant against S. hominis. A fresh bacterial culture was employed for the same. The bacterial suspension was streaked evenly on agar plates using a sterile pipette. To determine the antibacterial activity of commercial deodorant, 0.027 ml of antibacterial deodorant extract was placed on the agar plates’ surface using a sterile pipette. The plates were incubated at temperatures of 35 to 37°C for 24 hours to offer a chance for diffusion of antibacterial compounds and interaction with bacterial growth. However, the result revealed that commercial deodorant failed to produce any detectable zone of inhibition, which reveals a failure of appreciable antibacterial action against S. hominis. Failure to obtain a zone of inhibition reveals that the antibacterial deodorant lacks significant antibacterial activity against S. hominis under the conditions under investigation.
Table 3. Inhibitory Activity of Commercial Treatment Against Staphylococcus hominis
| Treatments | Zone of Inhibition (in mm) | Mean | SD | Description | ||
| R1 | R2 | R3 | ||||
| Commercial Deodorant | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Resistant |
These findings support the study conducted by Egbuobi et al. (2012), which evaluated the antibacterial activities of 20 different deodorants, including 14 roll-ons and 6 sprays, against various bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that 10% of the deodorants showed no significant antibacterial activity, indicated by zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 2 mm or less. Additionally, some of the deodorants tested displayed a 0% effectiveness against these bacteria.
Significant Difference in the Inhibitory Activity of Rosemary Oil Cream and Commercial Treatment Against Staphylococcus hominis
Table 4 shows the results of a one-way analysis of variance to determine the significance of the difference in the effectiveness of different concentrations of rosemary oil and the control commercial treatment on the inhibition of S. hominis growth. It can be observed that the F value is 7.906 with 3 and 8 degrees of freedom. The p-value is 0.009, which is less than 0.05. This further means that the null hypothesis should be rejected, indicating that at least one of the treatments significantly differs from the other in terms of its effectiveness on the inhibition of S. hominis growth.
Table 4. Significant Difference in the Inhibitory Activity of Rosemary Oil Cream and Commercial Treatment Against Staphylococcus hominis
| Sum of Squares | df | Mean Square | F | p | Decision | |
| Between Groups | 371.583 | 3 | 123.861 | 7.906 | 0.009 | Reject |
| Within Groups | 125.333 | 8 | 15.667 | (Significant) | ||
| Total | 496.917 | 11 |
To determine which of the three concentrations significantly differed from the others, a post hoc analysis was conducted, specifically pairwise comparisons of sample means using the Tukey HSD test. The Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test is used to assess differences among sample means for significance. This test compares all pairwise differences while controlling the probability of making one or more Type I errors. The Tukey’s HSD test is one of several methods designed for this purpose and fully controls the Type I error rate (Salkind, 2010).
Meanwhile, Table 5 presents the results of the post hoc comparisons conducted using the Tukey HSD test. The results show the significant differences between the control group and rosemary treatments, with T1 (MD = 11.000, p = 0.038), T2 (MD = 12.333, p = 0.021), and T3 (MD = 14.333, p = 0.009) showing a significant difference from the control. However, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups themselves: T1 and T2 (M = -1.333, p = 0.975), T1 and T3 (M = -3.333, p = 0.737), and T2 and T3 (M = -2.000, p = 0.923). These findings suggest that while each treatment differs from the control, the treatments are not significantly different from one another. This suggests that the rosemary treatments have a comparable inhibition capacity in the growth of S. hominis.
Table 5. Post Hoc Comparisons using the Tukey HSD Test
| Mean Difference | p | Decision | Interpretation | |
| Between T1 and T2 | -1.333 | 0.975 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T1 and T3 | -3.333 | 0.737 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T1 and Control | 11.000 | 0.038 | Reject | Significant |
| Between T2 and T3 | -2.000 | 0.923 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T2 and Control | 12.333 | 0.021 | Reject | Significant |
| Between T3 and Control | 14.333 | 0.009 | Reject | Significant |
These results are supported by the study of Nakagawa et al. (2020), which found that compounds in rosemary, such as carnosic acid and carnosol, effectively inhibit the quorum sensing system of S. aureus, thereby reducing its virulence. Additionally, research by Issabeagloo et al. (2012) reported that rosemary essential oil exhibited inhibitory effects against various Staphylococcus species, including S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus. Similarly, Nieto et al. (2018), which evaluated the antimicrobial effects of an aqueous extract of rosemary and found that it significantly inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium. This indicates that even water-based rosemary extracts retain potent antibacterial activity. Additionally, research conducted by Koc et al. (2015) assessed the effectiveness of a methanolic extract of rosemary against various bacterial strains and observed notable inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, further demonstrating the broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of rosemary extracts.
Numerous studies have highlighted the antimicrobial properties of rosemary essential oil. However, some research suggests that its effectiveness may be limited when compared to other essential oils. A study conducted by Sienkiewicz et al. (2013) compared the antibacterial activities of basil and rosemary essential oils against various strains of Escherichia coli. The results indicated that basil oil had stronger inhibitory effects than rosemary oil. Specifically, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for basil oil ranged from 8.25 to 11.5 µL/mL, while those for rosemary oil fell between 18.0 and 20.0 µL/mL.
This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) oil cream against Staphylococcus hominis, a key bacterium responsible for body odor. A complete random design (CRD) methodology was employed to minimize bias and ensure the reliability of the results. Different concentrations of rosemary oil (1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) were tested to determine their inhibitory effects. The study utilized an experimental research design and employed the zone of inhibition (ZOI) method to measure antibacterial activity. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA shows a significant difference among treatments, with an F-value of 7.906 and a p-value of 0.009, indicating that at least one formulation was notably more effective in bacterial inhibition.
The results suggest rosemary oil’s potential as an alternative antibacterial agent for the management of body odor. The notable inhibitory activity found indicates that rosemary oil might be used as a natural remedy to fight Staphylococcus hominis that cause odors in personal body care products. Future studies should focus on its long-term stability and possible side effects, which should all be investigated further to increase its efficiency.
Acknowledging the pressing need for effective solutions in treating body odor compounded by Staphylococcus hominis infections, this research explores the potential of utilizing a cream derived from Salvia rosmarinus. This study aims to assess the efficacy of rosemary oil. The findings of this study yield the following conclusions:
These findings lead the researchers to suggest the following:
Appendix A
Approval Letter
Appendix B
SPSS Results
Descriptive Statistics
| Treatments | Zone of Inhibition
(in mm) |
Mean | SD | Description | ||
| R1 | R2 | R3 | ||||
| T1 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 11.00 | 4.00 | Resistant |
| T2 | 9 | 8 | 20 | 12.33 | 6.66 | Resistant |
| T3 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 14.33 | 1.53 | Moderate |
ANOVA ZOI
| Sum of Squares | df | Mean Square | F | p | Decision | |
| Between Groups | 371.583 | 3 | 123.861 | 7.906 | 0.009 | Reject |
| Within Groups | 125.333 | 8 | 15.667 | (Significant) | ||
| Total | 496.917 | 11 |
Multiple Comparison
Post Hoc Comparisons using the Tukey HSD Test
| Mean Difference | p | Decision | Interpretation | |
| Between T1 and T2 | -1.333 | 0.975 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T1 and T3 | -3.333 | 0.737 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T1 and Control | 11.000 | 0.038 | Reject | Significant |
| Between T2 and T3 | -2.000 | 0.923 | Fail to Reject | Not Significant |
| Between T2 and Control | 12.333 | 0.021 | Reject | Significant |
| Between T3 and Control | 14.333 | 0.009 | Reject | Significant |
Appendix C
Captured Zone of Inhibition from Experimental Group and Controlled Group
Experimental Group Results
Appendix D
CURRICULUM VITAE