Antimicrobial resistance is a key global public health problem, fueling the quest for new bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants. This study evaluated the chemistry, antimicrobial potential and in silico pharmacokinetic profile of essential oil from Ruta chalepensis obtained from Bab Boudir in Taza, Morocco. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and GC-MS characterization revealed 11 components, among which 2-undecanone was the most abundant at 91.32%. The antimicrobial activity was tested against four bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and two fungal strains Candida albicans and Candida krusei. The oil exhibited antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) occurring between 0.078125% and 5% (v/v). Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most susceptible, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was the least susceptible. In the antifungal assay, a higher level of inhibition was observed against Candida albicans compared with Candida krusei, yielding MIC values of 0.0390625% and 0.3125% (v/v) for the two fungal strains. In silico ADMET predictions suggested that the components were drug-like in many cases with adequate potential for gut absorption and reasonable toxicity profiles for most constituents, yet a few highly lipophilic features may pose pharmacokinetic problems. Ruta chalepensis essential oil is one potential natural source of antimicrobials for future drug development.

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.