Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Insights into <i>Leiotulus aureus</i> : A Study using SEM, FTIR, and GC‐MS

Abstract Leiotulus aureus , a member of the Apiaceae family, has traditional medicinal uses in Türkiye for conditions such as stomach pain, hemorrhoids, and nail ailments. It also holds cultural significance, being utilized as a food ingredient in certain regions. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of L. aureus , assessing its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Ethanol, acetone, and water extracts of the plant were analyzed using SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and GC‐MS/MS. EDS revealed high organic content, notably carbon (58.7%), oxygen (35%), and C 2 H 1 Ca 1 O 5 . FTIR analysis identified key functional groups including alcohols, acids, and amines. GC‐MS/MS showed abundant bioactives such as cyclohexene (42.01%), ethyl lactate (34.05%), and butyl isobutyrate (11.62%), differing by solvent. Ethanol extracts demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity, notably against Candida albicans (20 mm) and Yersinia enterocolitica (18 mm), while MIC values ranged from 250–500 µg mL −1 . These findings confirm the presence of diverse bioactive compounds with notable antibacterial and antifungal potential, supporting the ethnobotanical use of L. aureus . The study offers a foundation for further isolation and pharmacological evaluation of its active constituents, highlighting its promise as a natural source for therapeutic applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.