Analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties in non-polar extracts of Magnolia virginiana L. flowers from Saudi Arabia

Magnolia virginiana (M. virginiana) L., a native North American plant commonly used in landscaping, is also cultivated in Saudi Arabia. This study’s main objective and novel aspect is to examine the effects of environmental conditions on the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of M. virginiana plants grown in central Saudi Arabia. The chemical diversity and biological activity of n-hexane and diethyl ether extracts of M. virginiana flowers were analyzed. GC-MS identified aromatic and aliphatic esters, triterpenes, steroids, and phenolic acids. The total phenolic contents were 29.66 and 29.44 mg GAE/g for the n-hexane and diethyl ether extracts, respectively. The diethyl ether extract showed more potent antioxidant activity, whereas the n-hexane extract had higher metal chelating and free radical scavenging activities. Diethyl ether extract demonstrated more substantial antimicrobial potential, notably against Staphylococcus saprophyticus (zone of inhibition: 20.0 ± 0.3 mm; MIC, MBC, MBIC, MBEC: 0.78, 1.56, 1.56, and 3.125 mg/mL, respectively). Further analysis is required to stabilize M. virginiana L. extracts for therapeutic use.