Antimicrobial activity of fractions obtained from Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) chloroform
extract was tested by growth inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, and
antioxidant capacity was tested by inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. Fractions were obtained by differences in polarity or structure (phenolic and non-phenolic fraction). Gram-positive organisms were more susceptible to Mexican oregano extracts. Fraction 3 (by polarity) and phenolic fractions I, II, III, IV and V were the extracts with higherantimicrobial activity. The non-phenolic fraction had effect against B. cereus. Polarity fraction 5 and phenolic Fraction II had a high antioxidant capacity; a 0.08% concentration of fraction 5 had a similar effect as butylated hydroxytoluene at 0.01% concentration. Fractions of Mexican oregano different polarity and functional groups had antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and can be used in a variety of applications.