Phytochemistry, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of two Moroccan Teucrium polium L. subspecies: Preventive approach against nosocomial infections

Exploration of natural products for the development of promising cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease treatment

Cholinesterase enzymes (BuChE and AChE) are privileged biological targets for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes has been proven to improve the neurotransmission mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease patients. In this investigation, we attempt to highlight new cholinesterase inhibitors from natural products. For this purpose, secondary metabolites (299 phytoconstituents) of twenty-eight Medicinal plants were virtually screened using molecular docking, pharmacokinetic and toxicological analysis. Ten phytoconstituents (L82, L86, L92, L121, L148, L187, L211, L221, L228) exhibited their high binding affinity with BuChE, and five phytoconstituents, namely L119, L147, L149, L192 and L193, exhibited their strong binding ability with AChE. Subsequently, these phytoconstituents were evaluated for their ADMET properties. As result, L221 is predicted to be highly bioavailable and readily absorbed by the human intestinal tract without significant toxicity concerns, making it suitable for oral administration. Crucially, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing it to effectively reach the central nervous system. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA analysis revealed that the best-screened phytoconstituent form thermodynamically favorable and stable complex with the BuChE binding site. The conducted investigations highlighted promising outcomes that can orient towards the rational development of effective Cholinesterase inhibitors.

Molecular characterization, chemical profile and biological properties of essential oils from Chamaemelum nobile (L.) flowers of Morocco: in vitro and in silico studies

Introduction

This study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties of Chamaemelum nobile (L.) essential oil (CN-EO), harvested in Taounate, Morocco. The molecular composition and chemical profile of CN-EO were also characterized.

Methods

The CN-EO was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, while antimicrobial properties were assessed via the disk diffusion method to measure inhibition zones against various bacterial and fungal strains. Insecticidal activity was tested through bioassays to determine insect mortality and repellency rates. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences was conducted to confirm the species identity.

Results

GC-MS analysis identified 24 compounds in CN-EO, with β-Oplopenone (18.66%), Spathulenol (14.90%), and Himachalene (12.47%) as major constituents. CN-EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 135.8 ± 1.03 μg/mL). Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibition zones of up to 20.67 ± 0.58 mm (Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal inhibition of 40.42% ± 2.82% against Aspergillus flavus. Insecticidal tests showed total insect mortality at 166 µL/L within 48 h and a 60% repellent effect. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence revealed a 99.22% similarity with Chamaemelum nobile (L.).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the significant potential of Moroccan CN-EO in phytomedicine. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities and shows great promise as a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, antifungal, and insecticide.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Teucrium polium L. Extracts for Dental Caries: Green Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Compounds

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic condition globally. In recent years, scientists have turned to natural compounds such as plant extracts as an alternative to address concerns related to biofilm-mediated disease transmission, increasing bacterial resistance, and the adverse impacts of antibiotics. Consequently, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium), which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 ppm) against seven bacteria commonly associated with dental decay. The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against S. mutans (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1.24 mg/mL), while the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent activity against S. sanguinis (MIC = 1.55 mg/mL). For S. sobrinus, the ethanolic extract was the most effective (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL), whereas the hydromethanolic extract displayed the highest efficacy against S. salivarius (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL). S. aureus was most susceptible to the ethanolic extract (MIC = 1.9 mg/mL), whereas the aqueous extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial effect against S. epidermidis (MIC = 2.03 mg/mL). Finally, the ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum efficacy against L. fermentum (MIC = 1.36 mg/mL). Overall, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against all tested bacteria, followed by the hydroethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract showed comparatively lower effectiveness. Therefore, depending on the specific target bacteria, it is suggested to combine the antibacterial extract of T. polium with the most effective solvent to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for dental decay. The study found that mouthwashes containing ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts, at a concentration of 2.44 mg/L, effectively inhibited the growth of all oral bacteria contributing to dental caries. Future research should explore T. polium extracts' mechanisms of action against oral pathogens, their practical applications, and their efficacy against conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative dental therapies.

Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Teucrium capitatum L. Essential Oil and Extracts: Experimental and In Silico Insights

Background:Teucrium capitatum L., a member of the Lamiaceae family, is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of its essential oil and extracts, evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and investigate the interactions of their bioactive compounds with biological targets using in silico methods to better understand their mechanisms of action. Methods: Essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation from leaves collected in Morocco, while phenolic compounds were obtained through Soxhlet and decoction extraction methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for chemical profiling. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were assessed using standard methods, including DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Molecular docking was conducted to explore interactions between major constituents and biological targets. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed significant bioactive components in the essential oil, such as β-pinene (24.5%), α-cadinol (17.02%), and shyobunol (12.13%). Extracts (hydro-ethanolic, hydro-methanolic, and aqueous via decoction) were rich in poliumoside (27.74%) and cirsimaritin (28.22%). The essential oil and extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Antioxidant assays confirmed strong activity. Molecular docking results supported strong interactions of major compounds with key biological targets. Conclusions: The high presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Teucrium capitatum extracts contributes to their strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting their potential for development as natural therapeutic agents.

Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Hemolytic Properties of Euphorbia calyptrata (l.) Essential oils: in Vitro and in Silico Analysis

In this work, we sought to validate the use of Euphorbia calyptrata (L.), a Saharan and Mediterranean medicinal plant, in traditional pharmacopeia. GC-MS/MS identified volatile compounds of potential therapeutic interest. Antioxidant tests were performed using β-carotene decolorization, DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, beta-carotene bleaching, and TAC. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on solid and liquid media for bacterial and fungal strains to determine the zone of inhibition and the minimum growth concentration (MIC) of the microbes tested. The hemolytic activity of these essential oils was assessed on red blood cells isolated from rat blood. Phytochemical characterization of the terpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS revealed 31 compounds, with alpha-Pinene dominating (35.96 %). The antioxidant power of the essential oils tested revealed an IC50 of 67.28 μg/mL (DPPH), EC50 of 80.25.08±1.42 μg/mL (FRAP), 94.83±2.11 μg/mL (beta carotene) and 985.07±0.70 μg/mL (TAC). Evaluating solid media's antibacterial and antifungal properties revealed a zone of inhibition between 10.28 mm and 25.80 mm and 31.48 and 34.21 mm, respectively. On liquid media, the MIC ranged from 10.27 μg/mL to 24.91 μg/mL for bacterial strains and from 9.32 μg/mL to 19.08 μg/mL for fungal strains. In molecular docking analysis, the compounds naphthalene, shogunal, and manol oxide showed the greatest activity against NADPH oxidase, with Glide G scores of -5.294, -5.218 and -5.161 kcal/mol, respectively. For antibacterial activity against E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, the most potent molecules were cis-Calamenene, alpha.-Muurolene and Terpineol, with Glide G-scores of -6.804, -6.424 and -6.313 kcal/mol, respectively. Hemolytic activity revealed a final inhibition of 9.42±0.33 % for a 100 μg/mL concentration. The essential oils tested have good antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hemolytic properties thanks to their rich phytochemical composition, and molecular docking analysis confirmed their biological potency.

Topical Administration of Teucrium polium on Diabetic Foot Ulcers Accelerates Healing: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Study

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most devastating complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Although there have been advances in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, still diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of many amputations in diabetic patients. Teucrium polium (T. polium) is widely used by folk medicine practitioners in Iran for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.The present study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical T. polium ointment besides the standard treatment in diabetic foot ulcers.A total of 70 diabetic patients with foot ulcers grade 1 or 2 according to Wagner's scale were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in both groups received standard treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. In addition, group 1 received topical T. polium ointment, and group 2 received topical placebo ointment for 4 weeks. The T. polium and placebo ointments were rubbed twice daily two hours before the conventional dressing. The ulcer size, healing time, and laboratory tests were measured in both groups at baseline and end of the study after 4 weeks.Twenty-nine patients remained in the T. polium group and 26 in the placebo group until the end of the study. The mean surface area of ulcers was 3.52 ± 1.47 and 3.21 ± 1.67 cm2 in T. polium group and placebo group respectively at baseline which decrease to .717 ± .19 and 1.63 ± .72 cm2 respectively at the endpoint. The mean ulcer surface area was significantly lower in T. polium compared with the placebo group (p < .0001) at end of the study. Also, the number of patients that completely recovered in the T. polium group was significantly higher than the placebo group (p < .001) at the end of the study.The addition of topical T. polium ointment to standard treatment significantly improves the healing time of diabetic non-infected foot ulcers.

A Study of the Synergistic Effects of Essential Oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum with Commercial Antibiotics against Highly Prioritized Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria for the World Health Organization

The irrational use of antibiotics has favored the emergence of resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to global health. To counteract antibiotic resistance, this research seeks to identify novel antimicrobials derived from essential oils that operate through several mechanisms. It aims to evaluate the quality and composition of essential oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum; test their antimicrobial activity against various strains; explore their synergies with commercial antibiotics; predict the efficacy, toxicity, and stability of compounds; and understand their molecular interactions through docking and dynamic simulations. The essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation from the flowering tops of oregano in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to examine their composition. Nine common antibiotics were chosen and tested alone or in combination with essential oils to discover synergistic effects against clinically important and resistant bacterial strains. A comprehensive in silico study was conducted, involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). O. elongatum oil includes borneol (8.58%), p-cymene (42.56%), thymol (28.43%), and carvacrol (30.89%), whereas O. compactum oil is mostly composed of γ-terpinene (22.89%), p-cymene (15.84%), thymol (10.21%), and (E)-caryophyllene (3.63%). With O. compactum proving to be the most potent, these essential oils showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, and ampicillin, have been shown to elicit synergistic effects. To fight resistant bacteria, the essential oils of O. compactum and O. elongatum, particularly those high in thymol and (E)-caryophyllene, seem promising when combined with antibiotics. These synergistic effects could result from their ability to target the same bacterial proteins or facilitate access to target sites, as suggested by molecular docking simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of the examined protein-ligand complexes, emphasizing the propensity of substances like thymol and (E)-caryophyllene for particular target proteins, opening the door to potentially effective new therapeutic approaches against pathogens resistant to multiple drugs.

Exploring the Bioactive Compounds in Some Apple Vinegar Samples and Their Biological Activities

Apple vinegar is highly recommended for nutrition due to its health benefits and bioactive components. However, the apple cultivar greatly influences the quality of the vinegar. In this research, our focus was on examining the impact of four different apple cultivars on the physicochemical attributes, chemical composition, as well as biological properties-including antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities-of vinegar. Interestingly, the physicochemical properties of vinegar and the contents of acetic acid and polyphenols depend on the apple cultivars. HPLC chromatographic analysis showed that citric acid (820.62-193.63 mg/100 g) and gallic acid (285.70-54.40 µg/g) were mostly abundant in the vinegar samples. The in vivo results showed that administration of Golden Delicious apple vinegar (10 mL/kg) to adult Wistar rats reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation by 37.50%. The same vinegar sample exhibited a significant antidepressant effect by reducing the rats' immobility time by 31.07% in the forced swimming test. Due to its high acidity, Golden Delicious vinegar was found to be more effective against bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, resulting in a MIC value of 31.81 mg/mL. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of various vinegar samples was found to be powerful, displaying optimal values of IC50 = 65.20 mg/mL, 85.83%, and 26.45 AAE/g in the DPPH, β-carotene decolorization and TAC assays, respectively. In conclusion, the apple cultivars used in this study impact the chemical composition and biological activities of vinegar, which may help demonstrate the importance of raw material selection for the production of vinegar.

Nanoemulsion of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil/Gold Nanoparticles: Antibacterial Effect against Multidrug-Resistant Wound-Causing Bacteria

Hospitalized patients are severely impacted by delayed wound healing. Recently, there has been a growing focus on enhancing wound healing using suitable dressings. Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LEO) showed potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. However, the prepared gold nanoparticles possessed multifunctional properties. Consequently, the present investigation aimed to synthesize a novel nanosystem consisting of nano-Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and gold nanoparticles prepared through ultrasonic nanoemulsifying techniques in order to promote wound healing and combat bacterial infection. LEO showed potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 32, 16 and 16 µg/mL, respectively, while exhibiting low activity against Proteus mirabilis. Interestingly, the newly formulated nano-gold/nano-Lavandula angustifolia penetrated the preformed P. mirabilis biofilm with a full eradication of the microbial cells, with MIC and MBEC (minimal biofilm eradication concentration) values reaching 8 and 16 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of the novel nanoformula was also assessed against WI-38 fibroblasts vero (normal) cells (IC50 = 0.089 mg/mL) while nano-gold and nano-Lavandula angustifolia showed higher results (IC50 = 0.529, and 0.209 mg/mL, respectively). Nano-gold/nano-Lavandula angustifolia formula possessed a powerful wound healing efficacy with a 96.78% wound closure. These findings revealed that nano-gold/nano-Lavandula angustifolia nanoemulsion can inhibit bacterial growth and accelerate the wound healing rate.

Screening of the phytochemical constituents of Teucrium polium extract and evaluation of their prophylactic role against the oxidative damage and cytotoxicity of Aflatoxin B1 in rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is common carcinogen causing acute and chronic hepatocyte injuries. This study aimed to determine the bioactive components of Teucrium polium methanolic extract (TPE) and to evaluate their protective role against AFB1-induced oxidative damage, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in rats. Six groups of male albino rats were treated orally for 4 weeks including the control group, the ِAFB1-treated group (80 μg/kg b.w.), the groups treated with low (LD) or high (HD) dose TPE (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w.), and the groups treated with AFB1 plus TEP (LD) or TPE (HD). Blood and serum samples were collected for different assays. The GC-MS identified 34 compounds, the major compounds were pinene, germacrene D, α-cadinol, α-thujene, epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene, and limonene. Animals that received AFB1 showed significant changes in all indicators of oxidative stress, biochemistry, cytokines, MNPCEs, comet tail formation in bone marrow, mRNA expression of inflammatory-related genes, Nrf2, and iNOS beside histological changes in the liver. TPE at the two doses tested showed insignificant changes in all tested parameters. The extract could normalize most of these parameters and the hepatic structure in AFB1-treated animals in a dose-dependent fashion. therefore, we concluded that TPE supplementation is effective for protection against AFB1 in endemic areas.

Structure‐Based Virtual Screening, ADMET analysis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Moroccan Natural Compounds as Candidates α‐Amylase Inhibitors

Current treatments for diabetes mellitus are ineffective, as evidenced by the rise in diabetes cases. This has forced researchers to develop novel chemicals as drugs to block the enzyme alpha‐amylase as the severe way to treat diabetes disease. Many previous studies were done to determine the biological activity of a set of molecules isolated from medicinal plants. Morocco is renowned for the abundance of plants it has and for the traditional medical uses of these plants, which drives us to employ our cultural heritage and the variety of our nation‘s natural resources in the therapeutic area. In the current study, extensive research was conducted to compile a group of phytoconstituents derived from Moroccan plants and used in conventional Moroccan medicine to treat local illnesses. To assess the stability of the generated complexes, molecular docking of the investigated compounds was carried out in the active site of 4 distinct alpha‐amylase proteins. The remaining compounds with a high negative binding affinity were then subjected to the ADMET analysis to determine their pharmacological characteristics. The findings showed that two drugs have strong binding affinity for the target proteins and may be used orally as potential alpha‐amylase inhibitors. The results of molecular dynamics analysis and MMGBSA calculation were used to validate the optimal stability of created complexes (L97 with studied proteins 1HNY, 1OSE, 1UA7 and 1BAG).

Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and in silico NADPH Oxidase Inhibition Studies of Essential Oils of Lavandula dentata against Foodborne Pathogens

Food is always subjected to microbial infection and lipid peroxidation, which frequently leads to serious food intoxications. In the present study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula dentata Moroccan species and its major component (linalool) were chemically characterized and their antioxidant potential and antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogenic bacteria were examined. EOs phytochemical profile was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential was evaluated, in vitro, by use of the β-carotene discoloration assay and in silico vs. NADPH oxidase enzymatic complex as an antioxidant marker. The antibacterial proprieties were assessed by use of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion methods, against Gram (-) bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli) and Gram (+) bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). Linalool (49.71%) was the major component among the eighteen components identified in Lavandula dentate EO, followed by camphor (14.36%) and borneol (8.21%). The studied EO and linalool compounds showed important antioxidant activity through the β-carotene discoloration test with IC50 values of 35.72 ± 1.21 mg/mL and 30.32 ± 1.23 mg/mL, respectively. Among all the analyzed compounds of lavender EOs, thymol, carvacrol, and α-terpineol were the most active compounds against NADPH oxidase with a glide score of -6.483, -6.17, and -4.728 kcal/mol, respectively. 2D and 3D views showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the most active compounds and the active site of NADPH oxidase. The antibacterial data showed a significant activity of Lavandula dentata essences against tested foodborne pathogenic bacteria, especially against S. aureus and B. subtilis. Linalool proved active toward the same bacteria and had closer activity to that of lavender essential oil. In light of the obtained findings, the essential oil of Lavandula dentata Moroccan species can be used in the packaging sector as a promising natural food conservative to limit lipid oxidation and treat foodborne infections.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and In Silico NADPH Oxidase Inhibition of Chemically-Analyzed Essential Oils Derived from Ballota deserti (Noë) Jury

Ballota deserti (Noë) Jury (B. deserti) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. The chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of essential oils from B. deserti (EOBD) against drug-resistant microorganisms were examined in this work. Hydrodistillation was used to extract EOBD, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify its constituents. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were used to assess the antioxidant effect of EOBD. The disc diffusion agar and the microdilution tests were used in the assessment of the antibacterial properties of EOBD against clinically resistant pathogenic microorganisms. An in silico approach was used to evaluate the inhibitory potential of EOBD against NADPH oxidase. The yield of EOBD was 0.41%, and was primarily composed of linalool (37.82%), cineole (12.04%), and borneol (11.07%). EOBD had good antioxidant potency, with calculated values of 19.82 ± 1.14 µg/mL (DPPH), 64.78 ± 5.21 µg/mL (FRAP), 996.84 ± 20.18 µg EAA/ mg (TAC). Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were inhibited by EOBD with inhibition zones ranging from 17.481.75 mm to 28.471.44 mm. EOBD exhibited MICs ranging from 10.78 g/mL to 22.48 g/mL when tested against bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Similarly, impressive antifungal activity was observed against fungal strains with inhibition zone widths ranging from 16.761.83 to 36.791.35 mm. Results of MICs assay against fungi showed that EOBD had MICs values ranging from 15.32 ± 1.47 to 23.74 ± 1.54 µg/mL. Docking results showed that thujone, o-cymene, and butanoic acid contained in EOBD possessed strong activity against NADPH oxidase, with glide scores of −5.403, −5.344, and −4.973 Kcal/mol, respectively. In light of these findings, the EOBD may be seen as a potential source of chemical compounds with significant biological capabilities that can be advantageous as natural antioxidants and develop an effective weapon against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Effects of Essential Oil of Black Caraway (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds against Drug-Resistant Clinically Pathogenic Microorganisms

Nigella sativa (NS) is a plant that has long been utilized in traditional medicine as a treatment for certain diseases. The aim of this work was to valorize the essential oil (EO) of this species by phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial and antioxidant evaluation. EO was extracted by hydrodistillation from the seeds of Nigella sativa (EO-NS). Phytochemical content of EO-NS was evaluated by use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Antioxidant ability was in vitro determined by use of three assays: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) relative to two synthetic antioxidants: BHT and quercetin. Antimicrobial effect was evaluated against four clinically important bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6633; Escherichia coli, K12; Bacillus subtilis, DSM 6333; and Proteus mirabilis, ATCC 29906) and against four fungal strains (Candida albicans, ATCC 10231; Aspergillus niger, MTCC 282; Aspergillus flavus, MTCC 9606; and Fusarium oxysporum, MTCC 9913). Fifteen constituents that accounted for the majority of the mass of the EO-NS were identified and quantified by use of GC-MSMS. The main component was O-cymene (37.82%), followed by carvacrol (17.68%), α-pinene (10.09%), trans-sabinene hydrate (9.90%), and 4-terpineol (7.15%). EO-NS exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC50, EC50, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of $0.017\pm 0.0002$ , $0.1196\pm 0.012$ , and $114.059\pm 0.97$  mg EAA/g, respectively. Additionally, EO-NS exhibited promising antibacterial activity on all strains under investigation, especially on E. coli K12 resulting in inhibition diameter of $38.67\pm 0.58$  mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of $1.34\pm 0.00$  μg/mL. Also, EO-NS had significant antifungal efficacy, with a percentage of inhibition of $67.45\pm 2.31$ % and MIC of $2.69\pm 0.00$  μg/mL against F. oxysporum, MTCC 9913 and with a diameter of inhibition $42\pm 0.00$  mm and MIC of $0.67\pm 0.00$  μg/mL against C. albicans. To minimize development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, EO-NS can be utilized as a natural, alternative to synthetic antibiotics and antioxidants to treat free radicals implicated in microbial infection-related inflammatory reactions.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil from the Aerial Parts of Teucrium luteum (Mill.) Degen subsp. flavovirens (Batt.) Greuter & Burdet Growing Wild in Tunisia

Essential oils (EOs), the odorous and volatile products of a plant’s secondary metabolism, have wide applications in folk medicine, in food flavoring and preservation, and in fragrance industries. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of the EO from the aerial parts (including the inflorescences) of wild Teucrium luteum subsp. flavovirens from Tunisia. The EO obtained by the hydrodistillation of air-dried plant material in a Clevenger-type apparatus was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fifty-three components representing 83.9% of the total constituents were identified. The EO of T. luteum subsp. flavovirens is characterized by the presence of β-elemol (7.2%), (+)-α-pinene (6%), β-eudesmol (5.5%), guaiol (4.2%), α-bisabolol (4.2%), and β-caryophyllene (4.1%) as principal chemical components. In vitro (DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays), it showed significantly higher radical scavenging and antioxidant properties than the reference compound, BHT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the composition and antioxidant properties of the EO from Tunisian T. luteum subsp. flavovirens. Our preliminary data will help to valorize this potentially useful plant species from Tunisia and represent a starting point for further studies on its volatile fraction.

Essential Oils from Leaves of Juniperus thurifera L., Exhibiting Antioxidant, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities against Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes

The antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus thurifera L., a plant utilized in traditional, herbal medicine, were investigated. The EOs were extracted by use of a Clevenger apparatus and phytochemicals identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The antioxidant capacity of EOs of J. thurifera was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antimicrobial activity of EOs of J. thurifera was determined against four fungal strains, Candida albicans; ATCC 10231, Aspergillus niger; MTCC 282, Aspergillus flavus; MTCC 9606 and Fusarium oxysporum; MTCC 9913 and four bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus; ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli; K12, Bacillus subtilis; DSM 6333, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; CIP A22, by use of the disk diffusion method, and microdilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). EOs of J. thurifera consisted of 31 compounds and were dominated by α-thujene (25%), elemol (12%) and muurolol (12%). Antioxidant activity recorded an IC50 of 24 ± 0.71 µg/mL (DPPF), EC50 of 0.19 ± 0.01 mg/mL (FRAP), and 9.3 × 102 ± 38 mg EAA/g (TAC). The EOs of J. thurifera exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains under investigation, especially P. aeruginosa; CIP A22 with an inhibition diameter of 28 ± 1.5 mm and MIC of 4.8 × 10−2 ± 0. 001 µg/mL. EOs of J. thurifera also exhibited significant antifungal activity against C. albicans; ATCC 10231 and F. oxysporum; MTCC 9913 with an activity of 21 ± 2.1 mm, 32 ± 2.3%, and MIC of 9.5 × 10−2 ± 0.001 Bioactive molecules found in EOs of J. thurifera could be used as an alternative solution to antibiotics available on the market to combat microbial resistance.

Teucrium polium (L.): Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities at Different Phenological Stages

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the content of phytochemical compounds and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of Teucrium polium L. aerial parts and root methanolic extracts at different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, and seeding). The T. polium extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their antioxidant properties were tested with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), ferrous ions (Fe2+), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. Forty-nine compounds were identified with the majority of germacrene D, t-cadinol, β-pinene, carvacrol, bicyclogermacrene, α-pinene, and limonene. The results show that the extracts significantly differ between different phenological stages of the plant material used in terms of the phytochemical composition (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total alkaloids, and total saponin contents) and bioactivities (antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory) (p < 0.05). The highest total contents of phenolics (72.4 ± 2.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight), flavonoids (36.2 ± 3.1 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight), alkaloids (105.7 ± 2.8 mg atropine equivalent (AE)/g dry weight), and saponins (653 ± 6.2 mg escin equivalent (EE)/g dry weight), as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, were measured for the extract of the aerial parts obtained at the flowering stage. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the extracts were varied within 9.4−300 µg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were varied within 18.75−600 µg/mL. In addition, they were more active on Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. The data of this work confirm that the T. polium extracts have significant biological activity and hence can be used in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical applications, and medical research, as well as cosmetic and food industries.

Lavandula dentata L.: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Insecticidal Activities of Its Essential Oil

Antioxidant, antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oil (EO) extracted from the Moroccan lavender (Lavandula dentata) were investigated and their chemical constituents determined. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS) were used to examine the phytochemical composition of EO. Antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by use of three tests: DPPH inhibition, reducing power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Antifungal activity was assessed by calculating inhibition of growth of Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. Repellent potential and toxicity of EO by contact and inhalation were performed against Callosobruchus maculatus. Sixteen constituents were detected in the EO of Lavandula dentata. The major component was linalool (45.06%) followed by camphor (15.62%) and borneol (8.28%). EO exhibited a significant antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC₅₀ and EC₅₀ values of 12.95 ± 1.300 mg/mL and 11.88 ± 0.23 mg/mL, respectively. EO of lavender exhibited total antioxidant capacity of 81.28 ± 2.28 mg AAE/g EO. EO of lavender showed an inhibitory effect on mycelial growth against tested fungi and was 100% in the case of B. cinerea. EO caused total mortality of adult C. maculatus from 5 µL/L air with LC₅₀ value of 4.01 µL/L air. Significant reduction in numbers of eggs laid (99.2%) and emergence (100%) was observed in a dose-dependent manner up to maxima of 100% and 99.2%, respectively. EO of lavender also showed a moderate potency to repel insects with a mean of 34.44%. EO of Moroccan Lavandula dentata has potential to be an effective natural agent against free radical damage and could be an environmentally friendly alternative bio-fungicide and bio-insecticide.

Ethnomedicinal Studies, Chemical Composition, and Antibacterial Activity of the Mammea americana L. Bark in the Municipality of Cértegui, Chocó, Colombia

Mammea americana L. is a plant with diverse medicinal uses in the municipality of Cértegui, Chocó, Colombia. This research characterized the ethnomedicinal, chemical, and antibacterial activities of the bark of Mammea americana. Through interviews and semistructured surveys with the community, its ethnomedicinal uses were determined. Compounds present in the bark extract were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a qualitative analysis was performed by preliminary phytochemistry. Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were carried out by agar diffusion and dilution methods, respectively, using ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Ethnomedical data showed that the bark is used to treat 14 conditions, the most representative being gallstones, prostate inflammation, and malaria. Preliminary phytochemical analyses showed the existence of several secondary metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes and/or steroids, quinones, and saponins. A total of 29 compounds were identified; the most abundant were ethyl 5-oxo-4-(p-toluidine)-2,5-dihydro-3-furancarboxylate, phenol, 4,4′,4″-ethylidynetris, nerolidol, 19-hydroxy-13-epimanoyl oxide, α-elemene, and δ-cadinene. The results showed remarkable antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract (20 mg/ml) against Staphylococcus aureus (22.6 mm) and Escherichia coli (19.6 mm) and of the crude water extract (20 mg/ml) against Staphylococcus aureus (18.5 mm) and Escherichia coli (12.4 mm). The strongest MIC was for the ethanolic extract with values of 0.357 and 0.897 mg/ml against S. aureus and E. coli strains, respectively, while in the aqueous extract, S. aureus (3.99 mg/ml) and E. coli (4.3 mg/ml) were recorded. It is assumed that the compounds identified in this study could be responsible for the antibacterial activity of the species, as well as the relationship of the identified compounds and metabolites with the ethnomedical uses given by the community, providing a scientific and traditional basis for its different traditional medical uses.

Insecticidal and Antifungal Activities of Chemically-Characterized Essential Oils from the Leaves of Withania frutescens L

The current study was conducted to investigate antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oil extracted from the Moroccan Withania frutescens L. (EOW), and their chemical composition was profiled. To achieve this goal, EOW was extracted by the hydro-distillation method and their phytochemical constituents were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS). Insecticidal activity was evaluated by use of four tests: contact toxicity, inhalation toxicity, and repellent tests. Antifungal activity was evaluated on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Ciceris (F. oxysporum) using different concentrations of EOW. GC/MS analysis revealed that EOW was rich in carvacrol (31.87%), thymol (30.08%), and camphor (9.13%). At a 1-µL/L dose, EOW exhibited mortality rates of 23.13 ± 1.07% and 24.41 ± 1.21% against Callosobruchus maculatus (C.maculatus) by inhalation and contact, respectively. Notably, EOW dose of 20 μL/L caused significant mortality rates of 95.1 ± 3.5% and 76.69 ± 1.71% by inhalation and contact, respectively. EOW exhibited an inhibitory effect on mycelial growth against the tested fungi F. oxysporum of 100% and 93.5 ± 1.1% for the 9 and 4.5 mg/mL doses, respectively. The reduced mycelial growth rate for F. oxysporum was recorded to be 0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 0.1 mm/h for the EOW doses of 2.25 and 4.5 mg/mL, respectively. The outcome of the present work showed that EOW has a promising antifungal and insecticidal activity, and it can therefore be employed as a natural alternative insecticidal and mycocidal agent to replace the chemically-synthesized ones.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity against Drug-Resistant Microbes of Essential Oil from Withania frutescens L

This work was conducted to study the chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of essential oil and hydrolat from Withania frutescens. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. The chemical characterization was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant activity was studied using four different assays (DPPH, TAC, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching). The antibacterial activity test was carried out on multidrug-resistant bacteria including Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. Antifungal activity was tested on Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yield of essential oil (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation of W. frutescens was 0.31% majorly composed of camphor, α-thujone, carvacrol, and thymol. Regarding the antioxidant activities, the concentration of the sample required to inhibit 50% of radicals (IC50) of EO and hydrolat were 14.031 ± 0.012 and 232.081 ± 3.047 µg/mL (DPPH), 4.618 ± 0.045 and 8.997 ± 0.147 µg/mL (FRAP), 0.091 ± 0.007 and 0.131 ± 0.004 mg AAE/mg (TAC), 74.141 ± 1.040% and 40.850 ± 0.083% (β-carotene), respectively. Concerning the antibacterial activity of essential oil and hydrolat, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values found were 0.006 ± 0.001 and 6.125 ± 0.541 µg/mL (Escherichia coli 57), 0.003 ± 0.001 and 6.125 ± 0.068 µg/mL (Klebsiella pneumoniae), 0.001 ± 0.0 and 6.125 ± 0.046 µg/mL (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 0.012 ± 0.003 and 6.125 ± 0.571 µg/mL (Staphylococcus aureus), respectively. MIC values of essential oil and hydrolat vs. both C. albicans and S. cerevisiae were lower than 1/20,480 µg/mL. Based on the findings obtained, essential oils of Withania frutescens can be used as promising natural agents to fight free radical damage and nosocomial antibiotic-resistant microbes.

A Review of the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Genus Teucrium

The genus Teucrium is a large and polymorphic genus of the Lamiaceae family distributed in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean basin and Central Asia. Studies of nonvolatile constituents of Teucrium species showed that they are a rich source of neo-clerodane diterpenoids, considered as chemotaxonomic markers of the genus. In addition to the nonvolatile metabolites, there has been a large interest in the essential oils of this genus. In this review, a complete survey of the chemical composition and biological properties of the essential oils isolated from Teucrium taxa is provided. In traditional medicine, since ancient times, species of this genus have been widely implemented for their biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, insecticidal, anti-malaria, etc. Therefore, a complete review of all of the traditional uses of Teucrium taxa are also reported.

Phytochemical Analysis and Study of Antioxidant, Anticandidal, and Antibacterial Activities of Teucrium polium subsp. polium and Micromeria graeca (Lamiaceae) Essential Oils from Northern Morocco

The protection of agricultural crops and the preservation of the organoleptic and health qualities of food products represent a major challenge for the agricultural and agro-food industries. Essential oils have received greater attention as alternatives to replace the control strategies based on pesticides against phytopathogenic bacteria and synthetic compounds in food preservation. The aims of this work were to study the chemical composition of Teucrium polium subsp. polium and Micromeria graeca essential oils and to examine their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. To carry out this work, the chemical composition of the essential oil was determined using gas chromatography (GC) with the detection feature of mass spectrometry (MS). Subsequently, the antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH and FRAPS assays. The antimicrobial effect was studied against phytopathogenic and foodborne pathogenic bacteria using the disc and the microdilution methods. Our results showed that GC-MS analysis of EOs allowed the identification of 30 compounds in T. polium EO (TPpEO), while 5 compounds were identified in M. graeca EO (MGEO). TPpEO had as major compounds β-pinene (19.82%) and germacrene D (18.33%), while geranial (36.93%) and z-citral (18.25%) were the main components of MGEO. The most potent activity was obtained from MGEO (IC₅₀ = 189.7 ± 2.62 µg/mL) compared to TPpEO (IC₅₀ = 208.33 ± 3.51 µg/mL. For the FRAP test, the highest reducing power was obtained from 1.32 ± 0.1 mg AAE/g of TPpEO compared to MGEO 0.51 ± 0.13 mg AAE/g of EO. Both EOs exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activities against all the tested strains with inhibition zones in the range of 9.33 ± 0.57 mm to >65 mm and MIC values from 0.19 to 12.5 mg/mL. However, MGEO exhibits an interesting anticandidal effect with inhibition zone 44.33 ± 0.57 mm. The findings of this research establish the riches of EOs on volatile compounds, their important antioxidant activity, and their antimicrobial effect against the bacteria tested.

A New Potential Source of Anti-pathogenic Bacterial Substances from Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl. Extracts

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a problem for global health that needs to find new antibiotic drugs. The plant is the potential source of antibiotic substances that important to solve the antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Zamioculcas zamiifolia stem extracts against nine human pathogenic bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Z. zamiifolia stems were extracted with five extraction solvents. The screening of antibacterial activity of stem extract was measured using agar disc diffusion assay. The Minimal Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of extracts were determined using the broth microdilution assay and colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the lowest MIC value of 0.09 mg mL-1 against Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 1466 was obtained from hexane extraction. The lowest MBCs value of 1.56 mg mL-1 against Bacillus cereus TISTR 2373, Listeria spp. and Escherichia coli TISTR 527 were obtained from ethanol and methanol extractions.

CONCLUSION

The ethanolic and methanolic stem extracts of Z. zamiifolia demonstrated the highest anti-human pathogenic bacterial activity. This is the first report to demonstrate the high potential of antibacterial substance from Z. zamiifolia stem extracts, which can be developed further as a natural drug for treating bacterial infectious diseases.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of <i>Spathiphyllum wallisii</i> Extracts Against Human Pathogenic Bacteria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The urgent of finding new antibiotics due to the rising of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The plant is the main source of new antibiotic substances. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Spathiphyllum wallisii extracts against nine human pathogenic bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The stalks, leaf, rhizome and root of S. wallisii were extracted by using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol. The disc diffusion assay was used to screen the antibacterial activity of S. wallisii extracts. Broth dilution and colorimetric assay were used to determine the Minimal inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of extracts.

RESULTS

The lowest MIC values at 0.048 mg mL-1 were presented in the stalks extract with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol against B. subtilis TISTR 008, the leaf extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol against B. subtilis TISTR 008; the leaf extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol against S. aureus TISTR 1466, the leaf extracted with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol against S. aureus PK; the rhizome extracted with methanol against S. aureus PK. The lowest of MBC value of 0.048 mg mL-1 was obtained from methanolic rhizome extract against B. subtilis TISTR 008.

CONCLUSION

The methanolic rhizome extract of S. wallisii demonstrated the highest of pathogenic bacterial growth inhibition. This is the first report about the antibacterial activity of S. wallisii extracts that will add new information in natural drug discovery and development in industrial pharmacology.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Quorum-Sensing Properties of Teucrium polium L. Aerial Parts Methanolic Extract

The chemical profile of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium) methanolic extract was tested using liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS). Disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used for the antimicrobial activities. Coxsackievirus B-3 (CVB3) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were used for the antiviral activities. Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12472 and CV026) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were used as starter strains for the anti-quorum sensing tests. Isoprenoids are the main class of compounds identified, and 13R-hydroxy-9E,11Z-octadecadienoic acid, valtratum, rhoifolin, sericetin diacetate, and dihydrosamidin were the dominant phytoconstituents. The highest mean diameter of growth inhibition zone was recorded for Acinetobacter baumannii (19.33 ± 1.15 mm). The minimal inhibitory concentrations were ranging from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL for bacterial strains, and from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL for Candida species. The 50% cytotoxic concentration on VERO (African Green Monkey Kidney) cell lines was estimated at 209 µg/mL. No antiviral activity was recorded. Additionally, T. polium extract was able to inhibit P. aeruginosa PAO1 motility in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the tested extract was able to inhibit 23.66% of the swarming and 35.25% of swimming capacities of PAO1 at 100 µg/mL. These results highlighted the role of germander as a potent antimicrobial agent that can interfere with the virulence factors controlled by the quorum-sensing systems.

Antibacterial Activity of Endostemon tereticaulis (Poir.) M. Ashby Essential Oil and Ethanolic Extract Against Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

Endostemon tereticaulis (poir.) M.Ashby is a species of the Lamiaceae family present in Niger. This plant is used in traditional medicine due to its various biological potentialities. The present study investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil and the antibacterial activity of the essential oil and ethanolic extract of Endostemon tereticaulis against resistant pathogenic bacteria. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the essential oil led to the identification of 43 compounds representing 99.55% of the total essential oil. The major components were caryophyllene oxide (15.17%) followed by α-humulene (13.96%), α-copaene (11.75%), ( E)-β-caryophyllene (8.44%), and δ-cadinene (6.78%). The antibacterial activity was tested against multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii P1483, Salmonella spp. H1548, extended-spectrum β-lactamase- Escherichia coli Bu8566, Enterobacter cloacae Bu147, Proteus mirabilis Bu190 , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Enterococcus faecium H3434, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus P1123, and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The antibacterial assays revealed that the essential oil was more active than the ethanolic extract against the studied bacteria with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranging from 0.06 to 2 mg/mL. Also, the ethanolic extract was effective against the bacteria tested with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.12 to 3 mg/mL. This study showed that Endostemon tereticaulis essential oil is rich in bioactive compounds. Ethanolic extract and essential oil exhibited potential antibacterial activity. These results provide a scientific basis for the use of this plant in traditional medicine. The current study described for the first time the antibacterial activity of Endostemon tereticaulis.

Antifungal activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of two new Teucrium capitatum L. chemotypes from Sardinia Island, Italy

The chemical composition of two populations of Teucrium capitatum L. one from the coastline and the other one from the mountainous area of Sardinia (Italy) was assessed. Two chemotypes were identified: limonene/α-pinene/(E)-nerolidol chemotype predominant in the coastline, and limonene/α-pinene/α-trans-bergamotene/humulene epoxide II chemotype common in plants growing in the mountainous area. In addition, our results showed that the sample growing in the coastline had a more promising antifungal activity. Furthermore, this sample was highly effective in inhibiting C. albicans germ tube formation, at doses well below its MIC. Overall, this study shows that the edaphoclimatic characteristics play an important role on the essential oil composition and biological activity of Teucrium capitatum L.