The phenolic compounds of four Palestinian honey samples (PH1-PH4) and their antibacterial effects as well as their cytotoxic, cytostatic, and antimigration effects in human breast cancer cell line (MDA) were evaluated here. HPLC analysis of PH2 (Cornflower), PH3 (Milk thistle), and PH4 (Ziziphus) revealed 15 phenolic compounds, namely, caffeic acid, carvacrol, chrysin, ellagic acid, galangin, gallic acid, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, rutin, salicylic acid, and silydamin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method applied to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). A strong positive correlation was detected between antimicrobial activity (E. coli) and p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and silydamin. IC50 values for DPPH neutralization varied from 0.19 w/w% to 10 w/w%. The potential anticancer properties of the honey samples were evaluated on MDA cells. Samples PH2 and PH3 demonstrated cytostatic activity, reducing cell viability by about 43% at non-toxic concentration of 4 mg/mL. The cytostatic effects were strongly correlated with the presence of caffeic acid, chrysin, protocatechuic acid, rutin, and salicylic acid (p < 0.01). Moreover, the cell migration rate was significantly reduced (by up to 85%) with PH2 and PH3 compared to untreated cells (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the cytostatic effects of the concentration of carvacrol and Pinocembrin (p < 0.01). Our findings validate honey’s antibacterial properties and suggest its anticancer benefits may stem from cytostatic and antimigration effects.

Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that degrades to cyanide upon chewing or crushing, posing a potential toxicity risk to humans. The present study aimed to determine the phenolic compounds and to evaluate the subacute and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of bitter apricot kernels (BAKs) in Swiss albino mice. The chemical characterization was carried out with HPLC‐DAD analyses, and acute toxicity was done by extract’s oral administration once for 72‐h period at doses of 500–6000 mg/kg body weight (bw). For the subacute toxicity, mice were administrated orally by repeated doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg bw for 28 days. The hematological, biochemical parameters and the histological examinations of vital organs (kidney, liver, and spleen) were done by sacrificing the animals after the subacute toxicity period. The results revealed 11 phenolic compounds with a total of 61 mg/g of extract. In the acute toxicity study, no signs of toxicity or mortality were observed during the experiment period, and the LD ₅₀ value was higher than 6000 mg/kg bw. In the subacute toxicity, only the group treated with the greatest dose (1000 mg/kg bw) exhibited a significant decrease in the hematocrit and slight increase in urea, and creatinine. The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of BAK was not toxic to mice at the tested concentrations. This provides valuable information regarding its toxicity profile.

The apple tree (Malus domestica), a member of the Rosaceae family, holds significant economic value but faces postharvest challenges, like blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum and gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. While synthetic fungicides are widely used, their limitations highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the antifungal properties of extracts from Celtis australis, Olea europea var. sylvestris, Chamaerops humilis, and Asparagus albus against these pathogens. In vitro tests assessed mycelial growth inhibition, whereas in vivo trials consisted of measurement of weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and maturity index. Moreover, the phytochemical traits of the extracts were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and HPLC. The results revealed notable antifungal activity, particularly for Celtis australis extract at a concentration of 300 g L⁻¹, which led to significant mycelial growth inhibition (61% for P. expansum and 41% for B. cinerea), a reduction in diseases’ severity (39% and 50%), and a notable decrease in diseases’ incidence (43% and 48%), respectively. Phytochemical analysis reflected the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the tested extracts. Importantly, the natural treatments helped preserve the apples’ quality during storage. Molecular docking studies further revealed that major compounds in Celtis australis extract inhibit the 14α-demethylase enzyme, a key target in fungal sterols biosynthesis.

Aim: Myrtus communis is a medicinal plant known for its pharmacological potential against cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious disorders. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of Myrtus communis essential oil (MCEO) and to evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities through in vitro and in silico approaches. Methods: The chemical profile of MCEO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram‐positive bacteria ( Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus ), Gram‐negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), and yeasts ( Candida albicans and Candida krusei ) using the broth microdilution method. Antidiabetic activity was tested by measuring the inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. To complete the experimental results, ADMET and molecular docking analyses were performed. Results: GC–MS analysis identified 1,8‐cineole (54.84%), p ‐cymene (19.42%), and β‐pinene (4.66%) as the major constituents of MCEO. The oil exhibited notable antioxidant activity, showing free radical scavenging in the DPPH assay and strong reducing capacity in the FRAP assay. Antimicrobial testing revealed significant effects against all strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.019% to 0.312% (v/v) for bacteria and from 0.019% to 0.078% (v/v) for fungi, suggesting potential bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Furthermore, MCEO demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity on α‐amylase (IC ₅₀ = 0.179 ± 0.091 mg/mL) and a statistically significant but lower inhibition of α‐glucosidase (IC ₅₀ = 0.086 ± 0.017 mg/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that MCEO possesses promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and moderate in vitro α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. These findings suggest its potential as a natural source for the development of new pharmacological agents.