Unveiling the bioactivity of Allium triquetrum L. lipophilic fractions: chemical characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

The lipophilic composition of Allium triquetrum L. bulbs, flowers and leaves was studied for the first time by GC-MS. Sixty compounds were firstly identified in A. triquetrum L. Fatty acids represented the major lipophilic family among the studied extracts, with (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic and (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids being the major constituents of this family. A long chain aliphatic ketone, namely hentriacontan-16-one, was mainly found in flowers and leaves. Flowers and leaves were also found to be rich in long chain aliphatic alkanes and alcohols, respectively. Sterols, monoglycerides, aromatic compounds and long chain aliphatic aldehydes were found in lower amounts. The antibacterial activity of A. triquetrum bulb, flower and leaf extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth was in vitro assessed. Bulb and flower extracts showed significant MRSA growth inhibition. Overall, these valuable findings can contribute to the valorization of A. triquetrum L. as a source of value-added phytochemicals, specifically as antibacterial agents and for nutraceutical applications.