Exploring Bioactive Potential of Deverra triradiata: Antimicrobial Activity, Antioxidant Properties, and Phytochemical Profiling

Background: Deverra triradiata (Apiaceae) is a desert-adapted medicinal plant traditionally used in North Africa and the Middle East for treating digestive disorders, inflammation, and microbial infections. Its resilience to harsh environments is linked to unique phytochemical adaptations, making it a promising source of bioactive constituents. Objectives: quantifying the phytochemical constituents, evaluating antioxidant activity, assessing antimicrobial potential, and characterization of fatty acid components of D. triradiata. Methodology: Aerial parts of D. triradiata were extracted using water, methanol, and petroleum ether. Phytochemical composition was quantified (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while antimicrobial potential was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the well diffusion method. GC-MS profiling was performed to identify active phytochemical constituents. Results: Aqueous extracts contained the highest levels of phenolics (300.76 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (103.93 mg CE/g), tannins (132.69 mg TAE/g), alkaloids (13.96 mg/g), and saponins (8.36 mg/g). Antioxidant activity was strongest in aqueous extracts (IC₅₀ = 0.010 mg/mL), moderate in methanolic extracts (IC₅₀ = 0.041 mg/mL), and weakest in petroleum ether extracts (IC₅₀ = 27.11 mg/mL). Methanolic extracts showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. GC-MS analysis of petroleum ether extracts identified 47 volatile compounds, with major constituents including 2-methylhexadecan-1-ol (7.84%), benzo-1,4-quinone derivative (9.24%), pentatriacontane (6.31%), and cyclohexene-carbaldehyde derivative (5.57%). Conclusion: These findings highlight D. triradiata as a promising candidate for developing natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, supporting its traditional medicinal use and encouraging further pharmacological exploration.