Comparative Study of Biological Activity and Phytochemical Composition of Selected Extracts from Libyan and Imported Garlic (Allium sativum L)

Abstract

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and phytochemical composition of Libyan and Chinese garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulb extracts obtained using different solvents. The antibacterial activity was assessed by well diffusion and disc diffusion methods against four bacterial species. Hexane extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus and E. coli, compared with ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The Chinese hexane extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect among all tested extracts, while limited or no activity was observed in other solvent extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed that hexane extracts were rich in non-polar compounds, including lipids, steroids, terpenoids, and organosulfur compounds. Ethyl acetate extracts contained moderate levels of phenolics and flavonoids, whereas 70% ethanol extracts showed the highest levels of polar phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins. These findings indicate that solvent polarity influences the extraction of bioactive compounds and the antibacterial potential of garlic extracts.