The mechanism of action for the antibacterial activity of spice extracts is not entirely clear; however, membrane disruption by phenolics and metal chelation by flavonoids are considered to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Some researchers have reported that phenolic compounds from different plant sources could curb the effects of various food-borne pathogens, and total phenolic content has been strongly associated with antimicrobial activity [29]. The antimicrobial activities of phenolic compounds may involve multiple modes of action. For example, phenolic compounds can break down the cell wall, disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane, cause leakage of cellular components, alter fatty acid and phospholipid constituents, influence the synthesis of DNA and RNA and destroy protein translocation [29].