Antimicrobial efficacy of Algerian essential oils: a comprehensive review

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Summary</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The utilization of Algerian medicinal plants as a source of curative drugs for the treatment of various diseases has garnered growing attention in the past decade. The aim of this review was to compile data from prior research on the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of essential oils extracted from a variety of Algerian medicinal plants in various climatic zones. A thorough literature review was conducted to provide a summary of the most recent research on the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of essential oils extracted from Algerian medicinal plants. In order to identify pertinent publications, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and ScienceDirect were queried. This review examines <i>in vitro</i> studies published between 2014 and 2025 and reported on the key terms of Algerian essential oils with antibacterial activity. According to the analysis, the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families were the most potent, while <i>Helihrysum italicum</i> and <i>Carlina hispanica</i> exhibited MIC values that were significantly lower (approximately 1 g/ml) than those previously reported. Other highly active species, including <i>Artemisia campestris</i>, <i>Erygium tricuspidatum</i>, and several <i>Lamiaceae</i> members, including <i>Salvia chudaei</i>, <i>Thymus algeriensis</i>, and <i>Mentha pulegium</i> were rich in camphor and pulegone as the major compounds. The intermediate activity in Apiaceae species was consistent with profiles primarily dominated by thymol and perillaldehyde. The strongest antimicrobial activity was observed in oils from arid and steppe climates, supporting the hypothesis that environmental stress stimulates the biosynthesis of defensive volatile compounds. These results underscore the fact that Algerian species that have adapted to harsh climates are a valuable source of antimicrobial agents and emphasize the combined effects of the chemical profile and environment on EOs bioactivity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>