Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF SCHINUS MOLLE L. SEEDS

NADIA TADJEDDINE 1, DJAMILA BOUKRAÂ 2*, SOUMIA TABTI 2, ZINEB EL HACI 3 , KHADIDJA ARBI 1

1 Geomatics Ecology and Environment Laboratory, University Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, Algeria
2 Geo-Environment and Spaces Development Laboratory (LGEDE), University Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, Algeria
3 Laboratory of Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, University Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, Algeria

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This study explores the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Schinus molle L. seeds collected from Mascara region in Algeria. Aqueous extracts were prepared using two extraction methods: infusion and maceration. The organoleptic characteristics were evaluated, and chemical composition was determined through phytochemical screening and spectrophotometric quantification. The antibacterial activity was tested against Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Seeds of S. molle were found to be rich in phytochemicals, while extraction yield and phenolic content were differing between macerated and infused extracts. Total polyphenol content ranged from 4.79 to 3.08, HPLC identification reflected notable molecular variability. In addition, infused extract showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and Enterobacter, supporting ethnobotanical claims of S. molle’s therapeutic potential in treating certain infections. Overall, these results underscore the value of S. molle L. seeds as a promising source of natural bioactive compounds for medicinal and food applications.