Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Organic Extracts from the Aerial Parts of Eryngium Ilicifolium Revealed by Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS, FTIR, and In vitro Assays

Introduction:: This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial effects of three organic extracts derived from the aerial parts of Eryngium ilicifolium. Methods: The extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet method. The secondary metabolites were revealed by FTIR, GC-MS, qualitative and quantitative analysis. The antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against four bacterial strains using diffusion and microdilution methods. Results: The EN and DE extracts were found to be rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. GCMS analysis revealed twenty compounds in all organic extracts, with fatty acid esters, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and alkynes being the most dominant. The EN extract demonstrated antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 80 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 110 μg/mL in the FRAP test. The DE extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter hormaechei. The inhibition zones ranged from 9.7 to 12.7 mm and the MIC values between 0.63 and 1.25 mg/mL. Discussion: The antibacterial activity of the DE extract is attributed to its richness in flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids, compounds known for their antimicrobial properties. While strong antioxidant potential is correlated with the density of polyphenols and flavonoids in the EN extract. Conclusions: The findings reveal that extracts are rich in diverse secondary metabolites, supporting the hypothesis that these compounds are responsible for various biological effects. This study highlights the potential of Eryngium ilicifolium as a source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.