Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Thymus (vulgaris, algeriensis and brousonettii) extracts

This study aimed to explore the biological properties and secondary metabolites present in extracts of Thymus species, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus algeriensis, and Thymus broussonettii. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, steroids, catechic tannins, flavonoids, saponosides, and tannoids. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified through assays. The antioxidant power of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS tests. Among the Thymus species examined, Thymus broussonettii exhibited the highest levels of polyphenols (144.301 2.688 mg EAG/g) and flavonoids (134.4 1.162 mgEQ/g). Thymus vulgaris demonstrated superior IC50 values, with DPPH IC50 = 4.136 0.131 g/mL and ABTS IC50 = 39.592 0.226 g/mL. The extracts also displayed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, particularly against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus subtilis, and Coniophora puteana, with minimal inhibition concentrations < 0.3 mg/mL. This study highlights the diverse secondary metabolites present in Thymus extracts and their potential biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Thymus vulgaris and Thymus broussonettii emerge as promising sources of bioactive compounds for further exploration and utilization in various applications.