Exploring the Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antibiofilm Potential of Matricaria pubescens Extracts Through In Vitro and Computational Molecular Interactions

Matricaria pubescens, a medicinal plant endemic to the Algerian Sahara, is traditionally used for treating various ailments. This study explored its potential as a source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents, with particular relevance to antimicrobial resistance. The ethanolic extract, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as notable antibacterial effects, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most sensitive strain. Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts effectively inhibited bacterial and fungal biofilms, with inhibition rates reaching up to 89.73% and 70.14%, respectively. Computational analysis further confirmed the strong binding affinities of M. pubescens bioactive compounds to key molecular targets, supporting the in vitro findings. These results highlight the pharmacological potential of M. pubescens, reinforcing its traditional use and positioning it as a promising candidate in the search for alternative therapies against antimicrobial resistance.