ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ORIGANUM COMPACTUM BENTH FROM TAOUNATE PROVINCE, NORTH MOROCCO

Abstract

Objective: Origanum compactum is one of the most important medicinal species in terms of ethnobotany in Morocco. It attracts the attention of several research works; however, its chemical composition under local conditions is not well documented. Here, we aimed at determining essential oil chemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of organic extracts of O. compactum. Methods: Antimicrobial activities were assessed against four strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans). Antioxidant activities were estimated by radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. Polyphenols and flavonoids were determined. Chemical composition was screened using gas chromatography. Results: Our results showed that yield extracts varied significantly among solvents and ranged from 10.30% (n-hexane) to 31.70% (methanolic). Methanolic extracts had the highest values of yield, polyphenols, and flavonoids, while n-hexane extracts showed the lowest values of yield and polyphenols. Regarding antimicrobial activities, E. coli showed the most important activity. Concerning antioxidant activities, n-hexane extracts had the most important activity. The phytochemical screening revealed 12 compounds. Among them, γ-Terpinene, o-Cymene, and carvacrol were the major compounds (around 73% of total chemical compounds). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the studied plant might be a promising source of chemical compounds responsible for important biological activities.