Unveiling the bioactivity of Allium triquetrum L. lipophilic fractions: chemical characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The lipophilic composition of Allium triquetrum L. bulbs, flowers and leaves was studied for the first time, by GC-MS. Sixty-two compounds were firstly identified in A. triquetrum L. Fatty acids represented the major lipophilics in the studied extracts, with (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic and (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids as the major constituents of this family. A long chain aliphatic ketone, namely hentriacontan-16-one, was mainly found in flowers and leaves. Flowers and leaves showed also to be rich in, respectively long chain aliphatic alkanes and alcohols. Sterols, monoglycerides, aromatic compounds and long chain aliphatic aldehydes were found at lower amounts. The antibacterial activity of A. triquetrum bulbs, flowers and leaves extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth was in vitro assessed. Bulbs and flowers extracts showed significant MRSA growth inhibition Overall, these valuable findings can contribute for the valorization of A. triquetrum L., as a source of added-value phytochemicals, specifically antibacterial agents and/or toward nutraceutical applications