Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Extracts of Medicinal Plants of Southwest Algeria

Background: The aim of this study was characterized to investigate the phytochemical compositions and antibacterial activity of the aerials parts extracts of Launaea arborescens and Limonium sp commonly used in Southeastern Algeria for the treatments of various aliments. Methods: Antibacterial activities were tested against four pathogenic bacteria and fungi such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albican. Result: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Limonium sp (40 mg/ml) were highly effective against E. coli with 82 and 85% and 78 and 57% respectively and for chlorid acid extract against Staphylococcus aureus with 84.21% of Limonium sp. The extracted aqueous and methanolic extract of Launaea arborescens at 20 mg/ml were highly effective against E. coli (90% inhibition) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (64.7% inhibition). Furthermore, the methanol extract of Launaea arborescens had the maximum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For antifungal properties, ethanolic and chlorid acid extracts showed the inhibition activity against fungi tested. The study has shown that Launaea arborescens and Limonium sp are an excellent source of bioactive substances against a wide range of various microbial pathogens.