Essential oil composition and biological activities of Ononis alba Poir (Fabaceae)

The phytochemical and biological properties of Ononis alba Poir L. (Fabaceae) were investigated for the first time in this study. The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts was analysed by GC-MS. The phenolic contents of extracts obtained with different solvents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH and CUPRAC methods. The inhibitory potential of these extracts was evaluated on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, whereas the antimicrobial effect was verified against some bacteria and fungi through the well diffusion method. Ketones and carboxylic acids were the main essential oil constituents. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as the best antioxidant capacity were noticed on the n-butanol extract. All the extracts showed a greater efficiency than acarbose in the inhibition of α-amylase. On the other hand, they demonstrated a mild inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium oxysporum.