## 4 Discussion
### Antibacterial Activity  
The antibacterial activity of the EOL and EOF was subjected to screening against seven strains of bacteria using the broth dilution method. The inhibitory activity of the extracts in Gram-positive was higher than in Gram-negative bacteria (Table 2, Figure 2). The EOF possessed inhibitory activity against all investigated Gram-positive bacteria; especially _E. faecalis_ and _B. subtilis_ were sensitive to the investigated EO with MICs of 250 \(\upmu\)g/mL. In the case of _B. subtilis_, EOF showed greater activity compared to EOL (250 \(\upmu\)g/mL vs. 500 \(\upmu\)g/mL). In addition, EOF showed greater activity against _S. abony_ in comparison to EOL (500 \(\upmu\)g/mL vs. 1000 \(\upmu\)g/mL). Both tested EOs exhibited the same MIC of 500 \(\upmu\)g/mL against _S. aureus_ (Table 2, Figure 2). _S. aureus_ is a major pathogen responsible for a wide range of skin and soft-tissue infections and also nasal colonization and lower respiratory tract infections [38; 39]. Notably, _S. aureus_ ranks among the most frequently isolated infectious microorganisms from wound infections [40], and based on our findings, the tested laurel EOs were revealed to be promising natural alternatives for combating infections caused by this bacterium. Although _B. subtilis_ is generally considered a non-pathogenic, Gram-positive bacterium, commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract, it may act as an opportunistic pathogen, especially among immunocompromised patients [41]. Despite the commensal nature of _E. faecalis_, it is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen, particularly in hospital settings, causing healthcare-associated infections of bacteremia, endocarditis [42], urinary tract, intra-abdominal, and pelvic infections [43]. The clinical relevance of _E. faecalis_ is amplified by its resistance to multiple antibiotics, such as vancomycin [44]. _C. albicans_ exhibited the greatest sensitivity to the investigated EOs, EOL and EOF, with MICs of 250 and 125 \(\upmu\)g/mL, respectively. The increasing resistance of _C. albicans_ to commonly used antifungal agents is a significant therapeutic challenge that highlights the need for more effective antifungal strategies [45]. In this context, EOs derived from laurel leaves and fruits demonstrated promising antifungal potential. The qualitative analysis of EOL and EOF revealed their similarities. Chemical analyses of both EOs revealed the presence of components responsible for antimicrobial properties (1,8-cineol, \(\alpha\)- and \(\beta\)-pinene, \(\alpha\)-terpinyl acetate, \(\alpha\)-terpineol, sabinene, eugenol, and in the case of EOF, the presence of (_E_)-2-hexyl-cinnamaldehyde). Namely, plants containing these constituents encompass a diverse range of biological activities, stressing their potential as antimicrobial agents. [PERSON] et al. published a review on 1,8-cineole, describing its inhibitory effects on the microbial pathogens (_S. aureus, E. coli, Moraxella catarthalis_) causing chronic rhinosinusitis. In addition, the same authors claimed that 1,8-cineole might be used as an adjunctive therapy and a therapeutic agent for inflammatory airway disease control [46]. 1,8-cineol is also one of the active ingredients of the marketed medicinal product Rowatinex(r) capsules (in addition to \(\alpha\)- and \(\beta\)-pinene, campene, borneol, fenchone, and anethole) used for dissolving or excreting concentrations in the urinary tract due to weakening of muscle spasm, which reduces the pain caused by renal and urinary colic while increasing the blood flow and reducing inflammation associated with the presence of kidney stones [47].