GC–MS and FTIR characterization, unveiling phenolic content, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the parasitic plant Cistanche violacea

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-025-01571-w
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Keywords: n Cistanche violacean , GC–MS, FTIR, Antioxidant assay, Antibacterial activity


Abstract


This study provides a comprehensive investigation to identify the phylogenetic classification of Cistanche violacea using internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Bioactive phytocompounds were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH assay, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) and antibacterial (MIC method) properties of the crude extract and fractions prepared from four solvents with increasing polarity were explored. Results revealed that chloroform, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane exhibited strong antioxidant activities toward DPPH (IC50 = 15.46 ± 0.15 µg/ml), ABTS (IC50 = 2.94 ± 0.34 µg/ml), and TAC (IC50 = 1.65 ± 0.004 µg/ml), respectively. GC–MS and FTIR analysis identified several functional groups and promising bioactive molecules in the DCM, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions. Notably, cyclodecane (in chloroform) and cyclopropanes (in ethyl acetate). Concerning antibacterial activity, most tested extracts were particularly effective against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 and had suppressed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 more effectively than gentamicin. These findings provide concrete evidence for the biological potential of C. violacea constituents.

n                     Cistanche violacean                  , GC–MS, FTIR, Antioxidant assay, Antibacterial activity


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Laboratory of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Naama, Naama, Algeria