## 1 Introduction  
Recently, essential oils (EOs) have been the subject of many studies due to their prominent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. At the same time, the end of the 20 th century has been characterized by a dramatic spread of pan-resistant pathogenic bacteria, resistant to all existing antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of pan-resistant bacterial strains a \"pan-resistance pandemic\", and so far there has been no specific solution to this phenomenon. Microbial resistance to classical antibiotics has raised serious concerns in treating infectious diseases. Hence, the development of rapid antibiotic resistance has directed researchers to focus on new antimicrobial agents originating from plants, which are both potent and not prone to developing resistance. Recent studies have revealed that phytochemicals exert potent antibacterial activities against sensitive and resistant pathogens via different mechanisms of action, with lower toxicity and fewer side effects. Adding to this the growing consumer demands for natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic substances, the new field of natural antimicrobial agent investigation was established [1; 2; 3; 4]. Investigating non-antibiotic, plant-derived secondary metabolites with potential antibacterial properties has created opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches [5]. Functional properties such as antimicrobial activity (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) of EOs are the basis of their possible application in processed food preservation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, alternative medicine, and natural therapies [6]. Replacing synthetic substances with natural ones, as well as adding natural substances beneficial for human health in products intended to prevent or alleviate existing health problems, is today one of the most current trends in the mentioned industries, both in the world and in our region. _Laurus mobilis_ L., Lauraceae (laurel), is a flowering, evergreen tree or large bush, often used as an aromatic, spicy, and medicinal plant. It is native to the southern Mediterranean region of Europe, especially Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, and Bulgaria. In European traditional medicine, laurel was used to treat earaches, sprains, and rheumat, to promote perspiration, and for gastrointestinal disorders, such as flatulence, epigastric bloating, and impaired digestion, and as an antiseptic, insecticide, and stomachic [7]. In addition, it may be used to treat diabetes and prevent migraines [8]. These biological properties are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds [9]. EO isolated from laurel leaves exhibits numerous pharmacological effects, including antibacterial [10], antifungal [11], insecticidal and repellent [12], larvicidal [13], antiproliferative [14], antioxidant [11; 15], and anti-inflammatory [16]. Laurel leaves EO has been used in treating rheumatic pain, strained muscles, and digestive disorders [17]. In addition, this EO has been widely applied in cosmetics (creams, perfumes, soaps), in food and agriculture industries (as a preservative, spice, flavouring agent, and as a natural pesticide in postharvest crop protection). Recent studies have revealed its antitumor activity [18]. The fruits of _L. mobilis_ are reported to have antiulcer, anticholinergic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. A fatty oil from the fruit is used externally to treat sprains and bruises and is sometimes used as ear drops to relieve pain [19]. Besides the above-mentioned applications, laurel has been reported as a potential source of biodiesel via compressed methanol transesterification [20]. Accordingly, the market demand for laurel EO has increased remarkably, considering that the global market size in 2023 was USD 56 million and is projected to touch USD 79.88 million by the end of 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% during the forecast period.