Evaluation of the antibacterial potential in shoot and root extracts of Eryngium campestre with emphasis on Egyptian ecotype

Abstract

The antibacterial potential of Egyptian Eryngium campestre (E. campestre) was evaluated by investigating the growth inhibition of ethanolic shoot and root crude extracts and their solvent fractions against nine bacterial species, revealing a selective differential effect. Phytochemical screening of crude extracts identified the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, and coumarins, suggesting their potential contribution to the observed antibacterial effects. Notably, the ethyl acetate fraction of the shoot and the petroleum ether fraction of the root demonstrated the highest activity, inhibiting the growth of all tested bacteria. Comparative analysis with other ecotypes highlighted variations in their antibacterial potency. These findings position the Egyptian E. campestre ecotype as a promising source for pharmaceutical industry, particularly for developing biocontrol agents against bacterial infectious diseases, including multidrug-resistant strains.