Exploring the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Ruta chalepensis Before, During and After Flowering

Abstract

This study investigated the phenolic content, as well as the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, of Ruta chalepensis extracts collected at three different periods: before flowering (BFE), during flowering (DFE), and after flowering (AFE). A thorough hydromethanolic extracts analysis was conducted regarding their total phenolics, flavonoids contents. The AFE extract displayed the maximum polyphenol and flavonoid levels; 84.54 ± 1.66 µg GAE/mg extract and 25.15 ± 0.88µg QE/mg extract, respectively. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against seven bacterial strains using disc diffusion (DD) method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was defined. The results of the studied plant showed an important antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterial strains were found to be sensitive to very sensitive. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. All extracts exhibited potent scavenging activity with IC50 values ranging between 14.18 ± 1.02 and 30.96 ± 1.80 μg/mL. The strongest antioxidant capacity was exerted by DFE (160.59 ± 5.78 µg AAE/mg extract). In conclusion, the results revealed that R. chalepensis hydromethanolic extracts have strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties that one can use in order to create new antibacterial and antioxidant agents.