Maytenus rigida (Mart.), is a caatinga plant species with wide distribution in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, and to determine antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Maytenus rigida (Mart.). Phytochemical screening was performed with ethanolic crude extracts of leaf and stem bark. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Cytotoxic activity was obtained by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium reduction assay. In phytochemical screening, it was observed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, saponins and anthraquinones. The crude extracts of leaf and stem bark and acetate fraction presented inhibitory action front of S. enterica, S. aureus and S. epidermidis at tested concentrations. Ethanolic crude extract of leaf has proved being non-toxic at all, concentrations tested and ethanolic crude extract of stem bark presented toxicity with lethal significant effect front of J774 macrophages linage tested in the MTT assay, except at concentration of 1 μg/mL. Data obtained encourage new studies in order to isolate and test substances, which contribute to biological activity of this plant species, aiming a possible therapeutic application.