Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Stipagrostis plumosa (Poaceae): Potential Implications for Human and Veterinary Health

Abstract

Simple Summary Stipagrostis plumosa is a desert grass adapted to harsh environmental conditions and is widely used as forage for camels, sheep, and goats. Although it has long been recognized in traditional practices, its phytochemical composition and biological properties have received limited scientific attention. In this study, the phytochemical profile of S. plumosa was investigated together with its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Different solvent extracts were evaluated against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and clinical veterinary isolates, while their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines were also assessed. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, whereas the chloroform fraction showed the highest cytotoxic activity. These findings suggest that S. plumosa is a valuable source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with potential applications in pharmaceutical, veterinary, and food-related fields. The study also highlights the importance of exploring underutilized desert plants as reservoirs of novel biologically active metabolites.