Chromatographic Analysis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, and Antalgic Activities of Hydromethanolic Extract and Essential Oil From <i>Inula viscosa</i> L. Roots

This study investigates the chemical composition and biological properties of the hydromethanolic extract (HME) and essential oil (EO) derived from Inula viscosa L. roots. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of hesperidin (29.05%), naringenin (10.55%), kaempferide (1.08%), and tangeretin (0.36%) in HME. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of EO indicated that the predominant compounds were β-acorenol (11.36%) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (9.83%). The HME contained a significant amount of polyphenols (34.58 mg GAE g^-1 extract). All extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, outperforming standard antioxidants such as BHT and vitamins E and C. Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and high cytotoxic activity against selected microbial strains and Artemia salina, respectively, as well as potent antalgic effects comparable to paracetamol (88.35%). The findings highlight the value of I. viscosa roots as a natural resource for a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it an appealing candidate for use as a natural preservative.