Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis and comprehensive evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of <scp> <i>T</i> </scp> <i>hymus capitatus</i> extracts from <scp>L</scp> ibya

Abstract

Abstract Background The emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. Thymus capitatus , a Mediterranean medicinal plant, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, but its bioactive potential from Libyan origins remains underexplored. Results The ethanol extract demonstrated superior bioactivity, significantly inhibiting S. aureus (37.3 ± 2.51 mm) and P. vulgaris (20.3 ± 0.75 mm). GC–MS analysis revealed 18 compounds, with thymol (35.07%) as the major constituent. The ethanolic extract showed potent bactericidal activity against S. aureus (MIC = 62.5 μg/mL, MBC = 125 μg/mL, MBC/MIC = 2). Both extracts exhibited concentration‐dependent anti‐inflammatory activity, with IC 50 values of 244.51 μg/mL (ethanolic) and 251.33 μg/mL (aqueous). The ethanolic extract showed substantial antioxidant potential (IC 50 = 189.4 ± 0.01 μg/mL), whereas both extracts were non‐toxic (LD 50 &gt; 1000 μg/mL). Conclusion These in vitro findings suggest that T. capitatus extracts possess significant therapeutic potential, supporting their traditional use. GC–MS confirmed thymol as the principal bioactive marker. However, further in vivo studies are necessary to validate these findings.