Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Aerial Part Extracts of <i>Cachrys scabra</i> (Fenzl) Meikle

Background: Cachrys scabra (Fenzl) Meikle, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is rarely found in the Halgurd Mountain in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the total phytochemicals present in the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of C. scabra, as well as its active essential oil (EO) components using the GC-MS technique, to further explore its antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. Methods: The leaves and flowers of C. scabra were collected in June 2022 during the flowering period in Halgurd Mountain, Erbil province. The presence of phytochemicals and EOs was assessed using standard methods. GC-MS analysis was employed to determine the chemical composition of the EOs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested strains was determined using the microdilution method. Additionally, standard methods were used to evaluate the DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results: The extracts of C. scabra revealed the presence and equivalent quantities of terpenes, alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids. Twenty-five EO components were identified, most of which are monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. The predominant EO constituents in the leaves were α-bisabolol, spathulenol, bornyl acetate, acorenone B, and O-cresol, while bornyl acetate, O-cymene, α-bisabolol, and α-pinene were the major compounds in the flowers. The petroleum ether extract exhibited good MIC values against the growth of all tested strains, ranging from 5.00 to 10.00 mg/mL. Notably, EO showed strong suppression against all Candida strains and demonstrated good DPPH antioxidant activity, with 50% inhibition (IC50) values of 6.0 and 8.6 mg/mL for the leaves and flowers EO, respectively. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the use of C. scabra leaves and fruits as natural antioxidants and antimicrobials, highlighting their potential application in pharmaceuticals.