Chemical Insights into Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce: An Ethanolic Extract with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Micromeria fruticosa is an aromatic plant traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes in the Middle East. This study characterised the phytochemical composition of its ethanolic aerial-part extract and evaluated its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. LC–MS analysis identified 99.20% of the extract constituents, with monoterpenes (72.70%) predominating; the major compounds were (1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol (35.20%) and (R)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexanone (26.50%). The extract showed concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ of 41.2 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Disc diffusion produced inhibition zones of 10.5–21.1 mm, while MIC values ranged from 50 to 100 μg/mL. Time-kill analysis demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent bactericidal activity, with 2× MIC achieving ≥3-log₁₀ killing within 6 h. Overall, the findings highlight M. fruticosa ethanolic extract as a natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial bioactive compounds.