Chemical composition, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities of Olea europaea L. ssp. sativa. collected from East of Algeria

Abstract

Olea europaea L., commonly known as the olive tree, is extensively utilized in Algeria for its medicinal properties. This plant is rich in alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and insecticidal activities of methanol extracts and oils harvested from the aerial parts of Olea europaea L. ssp. sativa from two different regions (Bouira and Bordj Bouarreridj). Adult aphids (Aphis fabae) treated with crude methanol extracts exhibited high mortality rates, reaching up to 100%, while diluted extracts caused mortality rates between 80 and 100%. In terms of antimicrobial activity, all tested strains exhibited resistance (including E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, and C. albicans) for all methanol extracts and both oils. However, significant inhibition percentages were noted against the fungus Cladosporium sp. across the various tested extracts. These extracts have the potential to be used in the food, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries