Evaluation of the antioxidant, thrombolytic, and antimicrobial effects of Corchorus aestuans L. leaf extracts: an in-vitro and in-silico study

Abstract

Corchorus aestuans L. (Malvaceae), a little annual plant, grows in wastelands at low and medium altitudes. It has traditionally been used as an antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial for chronic cystitis, gonorrhea, and dysuria. Our research aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and thrombolytic potential of several solvent extracts. Three different solvents were used in the extraction process: methanol, hydro-methanol, and water. Using established qualitative methodologies, phytochemical screening was carried out. Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride techniques were used to determine the total phenol and flavonoid contents. The antioxidant activity (total antioxidant capacity, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing power) was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. Besides, clot lysis and disc-diffusion methods were used to assess thrombolytic and antibacterial activity. The GC-MS analysis was also performed to discover prominent phytochemicals. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, etc. Among all the extracts, hydro-methanol extract (MACA) possesses the highest total phenol and flavonoid contents (778.2±20.82 mg GAE/g dry extract and 535.44±20.95 mg QE/g dry extract respectively). Similarly, MACA showed the highest total antioxidant capacity (664.31±16.84mg/g equivalent to AA), DPPH scavenging activity (IC50: 26.30±2.82 μg/mL), and ferric reducing capacity (EC50: 18.58±2.37 μg/mL). Moreover, among the three extracts, MACA showed the highest percentages of clot lysis (40.49 ±1.97 %) and an antibacterial effect against B. subtilis. GC-MS revealed 17 phytoconstituents, whereas (1s,15s) bicyclo [13.1.0] hexadecan-2-one had the greatest binding score with 6NGJ (-7.9 kcal/mol), and 1A5H (-6.9 kcal/mol) proteins. The ADMET studies showed they are non-carcinogenic, and well-absorbed, while PASS prediction and drug-likeness data showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and good oral bioavailability. Therefore, further research will potentiate to discover compounds with antioxidant, thrombolytic, and antibacterial properties, with their mechanism of action.