Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts from Selected Wild Plant Species Found in Jordan

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been a growing global interest in the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plants, which are considered safe for use. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as the flavonoid and total phenolic contents, of three wild plant species found in Jordan: Rubus canescens DC, Rumex vesicarus L, and Urtica pilulifera L. The 70% methanol extracts of these plants were tested for their antioxidant activity using various assays, such as total phenols, free radical scavenging, and reducing power. Results showed that Rubus canescens DC extract had a higher percentage of total phenols and free radical scavenging activity, while Rumex vesicarus L extract had a higher percentage of reducing power. The extracts' antimicrobial activity was evaluated using a two-fold dilution method, including Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) activity. The extract of Rubus canescens DC showed higher antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms, as measured by inhibition zones in plate-diffusion assays. These findings suggest that Rubus canescens DC could be a potential source of natural antioxidants and warrant further investigation of its therapeutic properties.