This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and biological effects
of an endemic Algerian species Myrtus nivellei belonging to the Myrtaceae
family. The aerial parts of the plant were submitted to hydrodistillation
and analysed with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This oil
was yielded 0,75% (w/w). The GC-MS revealed that 1,8 cineole is the most
abundant component (53,44%) while other compounds were present in high
contents: 2,2,6,7-tetramethyl-10-oxatricyclo [4.3.0.1(1,7)]- decan-5-one
(11,73%), trans ocimene (7,54%), linalyl propirionate (6,81%) and lavandulyl
acetate (5,24%). In addition ethanolic extract of studied plant was
prepared. Total phenol, tannin, flavonoid, and condensed tannin?s contents
were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and vanillin
colorimetric methods, respectively. Three tests were used for the
investigation of antioxidant activity of both extract and oil. Strong
antioxidant activity was shown mainly by crude extract. Antibacterial
screening was evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
Ethanolic extract and oil were active especially against Staphylococcus
aureus.