Abstract:
Scilla maritima is widely used for the treatment of dermatological problems, respiratory
and vaginal ailments, in the region of Setif. The present study reports the evaluation of
antioxidant, antihemolytic and antibacterial activities of bulb extracts (CrE: crude extract,
HeE: hexane fraction, EaE: ethyl acetate fraction and AqE: aqueous fraction) from this
medicinal plant. Total polyphenols and flavonoids of different extracts were determined and
ranged from 60.7 to 168.72 ± 5.89 EAG/g and 5.93 to 11.68 µg EQ/mg, respectively. The
antioxidant activity of these extracts was evaluated by several methods. Potent DPPH
scavenging activity was exhibited by EaE and AqE (IC50 of 24.77±0.96 and 46.93±1.44
µg/ml), and these fractions were either the most active in inhibition of β-carotene oxidation
(86.38 and 92.36%). CrE showed a significant chelating activity (IC50 = 553.07±51.14
µg/ml). While, EaE displayed the greater reducing power (EC50 = 38.5±1.14 µg/ml) and
inhibited significantly the hemolysis of red blood cells. Antibacterial activity was performed
using the disc diffusion method and the inhibition zones varied from 11.5 to 33 mm. On the
other hand, MIC and MBC ranged from 0.09 to 6.25 mg/ml and 1.56 to 25 mg/ml,
respectively. Results indicate that CrE was bactericidal against Bacillus cereus, but
bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. However, EaE was
bactericidal against these bacterial strains. In addition, good synergistic effects were obtained
between extracts and standard antibiotics, where inhibition zones varied between 32 and 48
mm. hese results support the use of this species in traditional medicine and could be used
where antioxidant and antibacterial are warranted
