Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Extracts of Matricaria pubescens (Desf) Growing in Southwest Algeria

Abstract

This study was devoted to phytochemical screening and evaluation of biological properties, namely, the antimicrobial activities of hydroethanolic and infusion extracts prepared from Algerian Sahara Matricaria pubescens (Desf). Phytochemical tests applied to the studied plant showed the presence of several families of chemical compounds, including tannins and flavonoids. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of M. pubescens extracts was moderate, while the gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive than the gram-negative strains (MIC values between 10 and 20 mg/mL). The contemporary presence of bioactivities suggests that the Saharan M. pubescens (Desf) may be a source for such new preservatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.