Phytochemical Profiling of Allium subhirsutum L. Aqueous Extract with Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Anti-Quorum Sensing Properties: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Abstract

The present study was the first to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing potential of Allium subhirsutum L. (hairy garlic) aqueous extract through in vitro and in silico studies. The phytochemical profile revealed the presence of saponins, terpenes, flavonols/flavonones, flavonoids, and fatty acids, particularly with flavonoids (231 ± 0.022 mg QE/g extract), tannins (159 ± 0.006 mg TAE/g extract), and phenols (4 ± 0.004 mg GAE/g extract). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified 15 bioactive compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (37.04%), methyl methanethiolsulfonate (21.33%), furfural (7.64%), beta-D-glucopyranose, 1,6-anhydro- (6.17%), 1,6-anhydro-beta-D-glucofuranose (3.6%), trisulfide, di-2-propenyl (2.70%), and diallyl disulfide (1.93%). The extract was found to be non-toxic with 50% cytotoxic concentration higher than 30,000 µg/mL. The investigation of the antioxidant activity via DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (IC50 = 1 μg/mL), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); IC50 = 0.698 ± 0.107 μg/mL), and β-carotene (IC50 = 0.811 ± 0.036 mg/mL) was assessed. Nevertheless, good antimicrobial potential against a diverse panel of microorganisms with bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect was observed. Quorum sensing inhibition effects were also assessed, and the data showed the ability of the extract to inhibit the production of violacein by the mutant C. violaceum strain in concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, the biofilm formation by all tested strains was inhibited at low concentrations. In silico pharmacokinetic and toxicological prediction indicated that, out of the sixteen identified compounds, fourteen showed promising drug ability and could be used as lead compounds for further development and drug design. Hence, these findings support the popular use of hairy garlic as a source of bioactive compounds with potential application for human health.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils of Bulbs and Aerial Parts of Two Cultivars of Allium sativum and Their Antibiofilm Activity against Food and Nosocomial Pathogens

“…The available literature demonstrated that diallyl sulfides exhibited promising antimicrobial activity [ 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Our results confirmed that, although allicin contributes to the antibacterial properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of garlic [ 43 , 44 ], it could exhibit a breaking effect on the biofilm inhibitory action of the A. sativum EOs.…”

Thymus musilii Velen. Methanolic Extract: In Vitro and In Silico Screening of Its Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Quorum Sensing, Antibiofilm, and Anticancer Activities

“…The effect of T. musilii methanolic extract to inhibit the biofilm formation on 96-well plates by S. aureus ATCC 25923, E. faecalis ATCC 19433, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, and C. albicans ATCC 10,239 was tested by crystal violet technique [ 35 ]. For the experiment, 50 µL of an overnight-grown micro-organism culture and tryptone broth was prepared at different concentrations of T. musilii extracts (1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 MIC concentration value).…”

An Explorative Review on Advanced Approaches to Overcome Bacterial Resistance by Curbing Bacterial Biofilm Formation

“…190 Advanced spectroscopic analysis showed that different bioactive compounds (eg, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and tannins) contribute to the versatile biological action of natural constituents, including the antibiofilm effect. [189][190][191][192] In conclusion, bacteria alter their gene expression by sensing the levels of molecules depending on the external environment, thus affecting biofilm production and other virulence factors. 193 Phytochemicals can regulate QS and, as a result, control biofilm-caused infections by controlling bacterial gene expression.…”

“…For example, Allium subhirsutum L. (hairy garlic) proved to have antibiofilm, anti-quorum-sensing, and antibacterial activity against different bacterial and fungal isolates. 189 Eruca sativa Miller was tested against numerous food-borne pathogens for their antibacterial and antibiofilm activity and demonstrated reduced bacterial density within the biofilm community and a disturbed integrity of the biofilms by interfering with exopolysaccharides synthesis. 190 Also, the molecular analysis found that E. sativa phytochemicals fused with multiple adhesion proteins associated with biofilm formation, causing compromised biofilm formation.…”

“… 190 Advanced spectroscopic analysis showed that different bioactive compounds (eg, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and tannins) contribute to the versatile biological action of natural constituents, including the antibiofilm effect. 189–192 …”