Comprehensive Phytochemical Evaluation, GC–MS Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Four Unani Medicinal Plants

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activity of four Unani plants: Phyllanthus emblica (Amla), Polypodium vulgare (Bisfaij), Operculina turpethum (Turbud), and Lavandula stoechas (Ustukhuddoos) against AMR. Plants were extracted by the Soxhlet method using methanol, ethyl acetate, and hydroalcoholic solvents. Extracts were assessed for phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and GC–MS phytochemical profiles. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using AST, MIC, and MBC, with associations analyzed by heatmap and Spearman correlation. Phytochemical profiles varied with plant and solvent. Hydroalcoholic Bisfaij showed the highest phenolic content (72.99 ± 12.54 mg GAE/g DW), ethyl acetate Ustukhuddoos showed the highest flavonoid content (242.50 ± 10.37 mg QE/g DW), and methanolic Amla showed the highest tannin content (81.14 ± 0.51 mg TAE/g DW). Amla showed the strongest antioxidant activity (IC ₅₀ 0.02 ± 0.15 µg/mL). GC–MS identified bioactive constituents including D‐glucose derivatives, desulphosinigrin, and camphor. Amla extracts showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii , with inhibition zones of 15.5–35 mm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was less susceptible. These findings highlight Unani plants as promising sources of bioactive compounds against AMR, with first‐time MIC and MBC data for Bisfaij and Turbud against the tested pathogens.