Assessing <i>Syzygium Aromaticum</i>: From Chemical Profiling to Antioxidant, Antistaphylococcal, and Biocompatibility Attributes

Staphylococcal infections challenge current treatments due to adverse effects and drug resistance, prompting the exploration of plant-derived compounds for their promising properties. This study aimed to analyze Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (SA-EO), aqueous (AE-SA) and ethyl acetate (EAE-SA) extracts for antioxidant and antistaphylococcal effects against sensitive and resistant clinical isolates. Erythrocytes were used as model cells for biocompatibility. The SA-EO was extracted via hydrodistillation and compounds were identified using GC-MS. The antioxidant activity was assessed using various tests, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disk diffusion and microdilution assays. Results showed Eugenol as the major compound in SA-EO. The AE exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid content. SA-EO demonstrated antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 84.63 ± 1.94 µg/mL (TAC) and 52.88 ± 1.44 µg/mL (FRAP). The AE-SA showed scavenging effects with EC₅₀ values of 266.52 ± 50.62 µg/mL (DPPH) and 140.67 ± 44.36 µg/mL (NO). The antistaphylococcal activity revealed significant sensitivity of SA-EO with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.316 to 1.266 mg/mL. SA-EO showed low hemolytic activity even at high concentrations, indicating its safe therapeutic application. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of Syzygium aromaticum in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria and underscore its role as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties.