Abstract
Objective: The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of flowers of Matricaria aurea a native herb of Saudi Arabia against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Methodology: Five different organic solvents with increasing polarity were used for extraction purpose. Antibacterial activity was determined by Agar Well diffusion method, while poisoned food technique was used to determine the antifungal ability of the extracts. Scanning electron microscopy was done to evaluate the extent of damage caused by extracts. Furthermore, GC-MS and FTIR studies were performed to analyze the bioactive compounds and functional groups present in most potent solvent extract Results:The results show the flower extracts to possess varied but significant antimicrobial activity against test pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria and fungi varied between 0.2-50 mg mL(-1), respectively. In addition, GC-MS and FTIR results revealed the presence of important phytochemicals and functional groups belonging to coumarins, phenols, esters and ketones. Scanning electron micrographs of treated cells show aggregation of cells, morphological changes and cell damage. Conclusion: Based on the results it was concluded that ethanol and methanol extracts of Matricaria aurea flowers possess broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Presence of various important phytoconstituents points M. aurea as potential candidate of pharmacological importance and prospective source of antimicrobials.