Phytochemical Profile, Anti-Candidal and Antioxidant Activities of Micromeria fruticosa Extract

Abstract

Micromeria fruticosa, a medicinal plant with therapeutic properties, has been studied for its potential anti-candidal, antioxidant, and a phytochemical benefits, including its yield (6%), tannin content, and efficacy against certain fungal species. HPLC-MS have been performed to phytochemical profile. Determination of anti-candidal activity by using disk diffusion method and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) used to evaluate antioxidant effect. The most potent inhibitory activity was demonstrated by Candida guilliermondii, whose maximum inhibitory zone measured (15.8 mm) and the smallest by Candida krusei (9.5 mm).The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for various Candida species ranged from (62.5 to 250 μg/ml). Candida famata showed no inhibition with Fluconazole (0 mm), while Candida guilliermondii had the largest inhibition zone of (38.40 mm). The inhibition zones for artificial antifungals varied from (0 to 38.4 mm) across Candida species. Additionally, the highest antioxidant activity was recorded at 0.1 mL (93.61%), with the lowest at 0.3 mL (65.83%). Butylated hydroxytoluene was used as a standard and showed a direct relationship between activity and concentration: (74.16%) at (0.1 mL) and (90.69%) at (0.3 mL). Of the (37) non-phenolic, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds; thirteen phytochemicals were found in the ethanol extract. Hesperidin is present in significant quantities (14309.0µg/g) and salicylic acid has the lowest level of (2.02µg/g). The results validated the notable quantities of yield and tannins in the M. fruticosa plant extract. Despite this, because of the high phenol and flavonoid content, it demonstrated great antioxidant qualities and a powerful anti-candida action on the fungi examined.