Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Mangrove Plants Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. and Excoecaria agallocha L.

Abstract

Objectives: To perform a detailed phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of mangroves Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Excoecaria agallocha. Methods: A comparative phytochemical analysis was done using qualitative and quantitative methods followed by antimicrobial activity and antioxidant analysis using DPPH. Aqueous and chloroform extracts of both mangroves were subjected to UV-Visible spectrum analysis. Further, the extracts were subjected to TLC, FTIR and GC-MS analysis to determine the different bioactive compounds present in the extract. Findings: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of different extracts revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents namely alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols and quinones. They had also shown significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In DPPH analysis, the maximum antioxidant activity (% of inhibition) was observed in aqueous extract (67.2%) followed by methanol extract (67%) of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, whereas in the case of Excoecaria agallocha, it was 64.9% in ethanol and 46.2 % in chloroform extracts. Further, GC-MS along with FTIR analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of numerous compounds that may contribute to the antimicrobial, and antioxidant potential and have great promise in treating various diseases. Novelty: Comparative study of the mangrove species Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Excoecaria agallocha with five different solvents has been documented for the first time. In this study, both plants showed maximum activity against skin pathogens and further studies might help find new compounds against MDR pathogens. The findings of this study shed light on the folklore claim and immense potential of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Excoecaria agallocha to treat various ailments. Keywords: Phytochemicals; Antioxidant; Bruguiera gymnorhiza; Excoecaria agallocha; Mangroves