Traditional knowledge, phytochemical screening, antibacterial activity and cream formulation of Teucrium polium L. hydromethanolic extract.

Teucrium polium L. (Lamiaceae) is popularly known in traditional Algerian medicine as «khayata» for its healing therapeutic properties [ 1 ] [ 2 ] ([ Fig. 1 ]). The aim of the present study was to investigate traditional uses, and the qualitative content of phytochemical compounds and the antibacterial activity of Teucrium polium L. aerial parts hydromethanolic extracts [AP_HME]. In addition, a cream was formulated with 5% of HME, the stability and skin tolerance were investigated at 40°C for two months. Fig. 1 Macroscopical identification of Teucrium polium L. collected in M’sila region. The [AP_HME] showed a yield of 13.34% dr/dw. The results showed that 48.0% of respondents use the aerial parts of T. polium for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, while 34.0% use it for wound healing. Phytochemical screening has demonstrated several bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, catechic tannins, cardiotonic heterosides, and coumarins. The foam index was also determined with the highest value of 667 in the aerial parts of the plant at its flowering stage. The antibacterial activity was significant against Serratia sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA 1 [8.9-11.3 mm]. A 5% w/w [AP_HME] was incorporated into a cream base including sweet almond oil, Span 60, Tween 20, cetostearyl alcohol, beeswax, and purified water. The stability was confirmed at 40°C for two months, indicating suitability for dermatological applications. This framework validates traditional uses and suggests potential for modern pharmaceutical development. Future research should focus on identifying specific active compounds, assessing in vivo toxicity and conducting clinical trials to validate commercial applications. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany