In vitro analysis of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Scabiosa columbaria L. acetone extracts

Due to the rising adverse effects of synthetic drugs, there is growing interest in natural therapeutic alternatives. Scabiosa columbaria L., traditionally used for respiratory disorders, skin infections, STIs, and menstrual pain, was investigated to validate its medicinal potential. Whole-plant material was extracted with acetone and analyzed using colorimetric and chromatographic methods. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through the microdilution assay, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and nitric oxide (NO) assays, respectively. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) identified iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and saponins. The extracts showed moderate phenolic (2.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (1.64 mg QE/g) contents, strong reducing power (12.13 mg TE/g), and moderate antimicrobial activity, especially against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MIC = 0.6 mg/ml). They also showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity and strong NO inhibition (>60%). The results support the therapeutic potential of S. columbaria , although moderate cytotoxicity highlights the need for further studies on isolated active compounds.