Phytochemical profile and biological screening of two Amaranthaceae plants: <i>Atriplex halimus</i> and <i>Haloxylon scoparium</i>

In this study, phytochemical and biological properties of <i>Atriplex halimus</i> and <i>Haloxylon scoparium</i> leaves, collected in Algeria, were evaluated. The aqueous extract of the studied plants was subjected to phytochemical screening by biochemical analysis and HPLC. The diffusion assay was assessed to investigate the antimicrobial effect against clinical and reference strains. Moreover, we investigated DPPH and FRAP, as well as the haemolytic activity. The results showed abundance in the phytochemical and mineral components. Notably, <i>A. halimus</i> exhibited the highest DPPH and FRAP values with IC₅₀ = 1.69 ± 0.67 and IC₅₀ = 3.20 ± 0.04 mg/g, respectively. The antibacterial activity was better at the concentration of 25 mg/mL, compared to the standard antibiotics. The inhibition zones varied between 8 and 40 mm. The haemolytic activity did not depict any toxicity. The investigated plants exhibited interesting antioxidant and antibacterial properties and may serve as a valuable source for novel antimicrobial drugs.