Acinos alpinus and Ziziphora hispanica: Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Hydromethanolic Extracts from Aerial Parts

Acinos alpinus and Ziziphora hispanica belonging to the Lamiaceae family are well-known for their biological properties. The phenolic composition was characterized using HPLC coupled to photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by 2,2 '-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc -diffusion and broth micro -dilution methods. A total of 53 phenolic compounds were identified in both extracts, with the predominance of caffeoylquinic acid isomers with a content of 2.09 mg/g in A. alpinus extract, while coumarylquinic acid isomers with a content of 17.33 mg/g was determined in Z. hispanica extract. The A. alpinus extract displayed the highest radical scavenging activity (IC50 DPPH = 3.226 +/- 0.035 mg/mL) and reducing power (EC50 FRAP = 3.792 +/- 0.001 mg/mL), followed by Z. hispanica extract with IC50 DPPH value of 7.265 +/- 0.209 mg/mL, and EC50 FRAP value of 24.689 +/- 0.106 mg/mL. Furthermore, both A. alpinus and Z. hispanica extracts exhibited a bactericidal effect against six pathogenic bacteria with a MIC value from 4.16 to 33.33 .g/mL. On the basis of the results achieved, the aerial parts of Moroccan Acinos alpinus and Ziziphora hispanica might be used as natural agents in the food and pharmaceutical field.