Abstract—Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) is widespread in the Mediterranean basin. It is among the most important medicinal plants in Algeria that is known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Despite its plethora of uses for treating various diseases, it has garnered very little scientific interest so far, particularly in Algeria. For this study, the leaves were collected in spring (in March) from the mountainous region of Boumerdes, in northern Algeria. In such a propitious context, the aim of this study was to enhance Origanum vulgare as a medicinal herb. The phytochemical screening methods are used. For their antimicrobial activity, extracts of tannin and polyphenols were screened against four pathogenic bacterial strains and two pathogenic yeast strains. The phytochemical analysis results showed a remarkable combination of chemical components including a high content in tannins, in anthocyanins, flavonoïds, saponosids and in starch. The tannins and the polyphenols have strong antimicrobial activity against all the species. The maximum zone of inhibition was noted for polyphenol and tannin extracts against Escerichia coli (18 mm, 12.33 mm) and an antifungic activity against Aspergillus sp (12.33 mm, 12mm). These results indicate to some benefits of Origanum vulgare leaves which can use to treatment the microbial infection.

Index Terms—Origanum vulgare, Leaves, Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial activity, Mountainous region, Algeria

Cite: Leila Bendifallah, Yamina Tchoulak, Mourad Djouabi, Mustapha Oukili, and Ramdan Ghezraoui, "Phytochemical Study and Antimicrobial Activity of Origanum Vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) in Boumerdes Mountainous Region (Algeria)," Journal of Medical and Bioengineering, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 471-474, December 2015. Doi: 10.12720/jomb.4.6.471-474