Bioactivity of the Aerial Parts of Sinapis arvensis L. (Brassicaceae) aqueous extracts

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate Sinapis arvensis L. (Brassicaceae) growing wild in Tunisia as a potential new source of active metabolites. A comparative analysis was conducted on aqueous extracts from the leaves, flowers, and stems. Aqueous extracts were prepared and evaluated for their total phenolic content, total flavonoids and condensed tannins and studied for their biological activities (antioxidant, antibacterial and insecticidal capacities). Our results revealed that stems extracts displayed the highest total phenol contents (20.52 mgGAE.g-1DW) and the best radical scavenging activity (DPPH test) (IC50= 50.23 µg/ml). The antibacterial properties of the extracts were investigated against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria. However, no antibacterial activity was found against the tested strains. The insecticidal activity against Aphis gossypii revealed a moderate activity.