Phytochemical Screening Research Articles

In Vivo Antiplasmodial Studies of Achyranthes Aspera Fractions and Molecular Docking Studies of Its Phytochemicals against Plasmodium Aspartic Proteases Targeted in Antimalarial Drug Design

Evaluation of fractionated extracts of Achyranthes aspera L. as an alternative antimalarial therapy is essential due to the increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin. The side effects, limited accessibility, and high cost of current drugs have intensified interest in phytochemical screening of medicinal plants as sources of bioactive compounds with antimalarial properties. The mode of action of these phytochemicals remains largely unknown, necessitating an investigation into their in vivo antimalarial activity and in silico molecular interactions with Aspartic Proteases (Plasmepsin I, II, and IV), key drug targets in malaria treatment. The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of Achyranthes aspera fractions was assessed using Rane’s curative assay in a mouse model infected intraperitoneally with 1x107 Plasmodium berghei (NK-65) parasitized RBCs per milliliter, while LC-MS techniques analyzed the phytochemical composition. In silico drug-likeness studies, including PASS, molecular docking, ADME/Tox, and Lipinski’s rule of five, were conducted, with chemical compounds docked against Plasmepsins I, II, and IV. Rane’s curative test showed significant (P<0.05) parasite reduction, with the chloroform fraction achieving more than 50% reduction at 200 mg/kg b.wt. LC-MS identified 37 compounds, 11 of which demonstrated plasmepsin inhibitory activity. Docking studies predicted Rotundioside B and 4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl-2-) methoxy as the most effective, exhibiting favourable binding energies. In silico ADMET analysis confirmed good oral bioavailability and drug-likeness properties. Findings indicate that A. aspera shoot fractions possess antiplasmodial activity, with the chloroform fraction significantly reducing P. berghei burden in a manner comparable to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), supporting its potential for pharmaceutical drug development.

The Effect of Different Methods of Maceration and Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) on Determining Flavonoid Contents of Total Figs (Ficus racemosa L)

Figs (Ficus racemosa L.) are an essential source of bioactive components such as phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids with antioxidant properties. Two extraction methods are used to extract flavonoids from figs: conventional and non-conventional. This study aimed to determine the effect of different extraction methods—maceration and Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE)—on the total flavonoid content in figs (Ficus racemosa L.). The research was conducted using a laboratory experimental method. The procedures included collecting and preparing plant materials, producing simplicia, evaluating simplicia characteristics, conducting phytochemical screening, preparing extracts, and determining total flavonoid content. The results showed that the maximum wavelength of quercetin was 438 nm, with a regression equation of Y = 0.0669x + 0.0084. The average absorbance values of fig extract using the maceration method were 0.216 with methanol, while the MAE method was 0.280 with methanol. The average percentage of flavonoid content using the maceration method was 0.1245% with methanol, while with the MAE method, it was 0.1623% with methanol. The total flavonoid content of fig extract using the maceration method was 1.2451 mgQE/g extract with methanol, while with the MAE method, it was 1.6238 mgQE/g extract with methanol. The study concluded that the highest total flavonoid content was found in the methanol extract obtained through MAE. This extract had a value of 1.6238 mgQE/g extract.

IN-VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PLUMERIA ALBA AND NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGEN

The present study investigates the phytochemical compositions and antimicrobial efficacy of Plumeria alba and Nelumbo nucifera flower extracts obtained using hot, cold and methanol with and without subsequent distillation. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins with notable variation across extraction techniques and plant species. Methanolic and hot extracts, particularly post-distillation, exhibited pronounced antimicrobial effects against human pathogen, suggesting enhanced concentration of active constituents. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of P. alba and N. nucifera floral components and underscore the influence of extraction and distillation methaods on bioactive yield and efficacy. This comparative analysis provides a scientific basis for their traditional uses and paves the way for future exploration of their phytopharmaceutical applications. Keywords: Flower extract, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial activity and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration.

Biological activities of citrus fruit-derived copper oxide nanoparticles: towards sustainable antimicrobial and antioxidant solutions.

The synthesis of CuO NPs from Citrus fruit peel waste is a noteworthy strategy for the effective repurposing utilization of waste and its application in therapeutic studies. Synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from citrus fruit extracts displayed a dark greenish-black colour with sizes ranging from 379.41, 113.19 and 142.76nm of lemon, orange and tangerine CuO NPs. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phytochemicals in the extracts wherein lemon CuO NPs lacked flavonoids and cardiac glycosides, while orange CuO NPs lacked alkaloids and flavonoids, and tangerine CuO NPs lacked only alkaloids. The decrease in phenolic concentration in CuO NPs was attributed to complex formation with metal ions. Tangerine CuO NPs exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while lemon CuO NPs showed the highest total antioxidant capacity. Antibacterial activity increased with CuO NP concentration, with tangerine CuO NPs displaying the highest activity against both Bacillus subtilis subtilis strain 168 and Escherichia coli strain PU-1 isolated from Ghagghar river, Haryana, India. This activity was linked to the disruption of bacterial cell membranes and oxidative stress, supported by the interaction between CuO NPs and bacterial cell components. These findings contribute to understanding of various potential applications of citrus fruit-derived CuO NPs in antimicrobial and antioxidant therapies.

Chemical composition and biological action of the Ruta graveolens L. and Ambrosia arborescens: sociocultural incidence

The study analyzed the biological activity of the secondary metabolites in the fresh plant and the chemical composition of the essential oil of Ruta graveolens L. and Ambrosia arborescens with pharmacological and medicinal properties. Phytochemical screening was applied using the qualitative analytical method and techniques that identify the organic substance by color change and precipitation.; and the chemical identification of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). In Ruta graveolens L. secondary metabolites stand out: alkaloids, tannins, coumarins as well as saponins and flavonoids; and, in Ambrosia arborescens predominate triterpenes, a, ß-hydroxylated quinones and anthraquinones. These last components are important for biological use, pharmacological, conventional medicine and traditional and ancestral medicine. The analysis of the essential oil of Ruta graveolens showed the presence of 21 components, highlighting undecanone (39.97/%) and nonanone (38.05%) with pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, fungicide and herbicide; while the essential oil of Ambrosia arborescens presented 25 compounds, highlighting zingiberene, <α-> (55%) and shyobunol, (6.04%) of biological and ethnobotanical action and as a bactericide and anthelmintic. Plants and essential oils, due to their composition, biological activity and ancestral bond, are resources that benefit and invigorate the people’s culture.

In Silico Screening of Phytochemicals Targeting the NF-κB Pathway: A Novel Approach for Pancreatic Cancer Drug Discovery

In Silico Screening of Phytochemicals Targeting the NF-κB Pathway: A Novel Approach for Pancreatic Cancer Drug Discovery

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of White and Red Wines from Different Varieties and Wine Regions in Romania

The characteristics of the variety from which the wine is made, the geographical area of production, the year of production, and the technology of winemaking are the parameters with the most influence on the total content of polyphenols, the polyphenolic profile, and the antioxidant activity of wine. For this reason, a polyphenolic screen can help establish the authenticity of wines. For this study, 50 samples of white and red wine from different wine areas were collected. For these samples, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out on the polyphenolic profile. The polyphenolic profiles of the studied wines were determined using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS (mass spectrometry with tandem ionization with high-performance liquid chromatography). Among the non-flavonoid acids, gallic acids, p-coumarnic, and syringic acids in red wines showed higher concentrations in all samples, while resveratrol was present in concentrations from 0.605 to 12.38 mg/L in red wines, and white wines ranged from 0.07 to 0.35 mg/L. For flavonoids, -catechin (0.187 m/L–130.98 mg/L in red wines and 0.04–4.45 mg/L) and (-)-epi-catechin showed the highest concentrations, reaching up to 29.78 mg/L in red wines.

Preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS Screening of Ethanol extract of Khaya ivorensis bark, and Flabellaria paniculata and Rhapiostylis beninensis roots

Medicinal plants are important sources for the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents. This study investigated the phytochemical components of ethanol extracts of the roots of Flabellaria paniculata, Rhapiostylis beninensis, and the bark of Khaya ivorensis. Plant extraction was performed using a cold maceration method with 70% ethanol. Phytochemical screening of extracts was done using qualitative and quantitative assays and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. Steroids, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids were detected in the extracts of the three plants, while alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were not. In addition, the extracts of K. ivorensis and F. paniculata also contain tannins, phenols and reducing sugar, while phlobatannins were found in the extracts of R. beninensis. The terpenoids and steroid content of the three plant extracts were similar, while the flavonoid content was in the order of K. ivorensis (109mg/100g) >F. paniculata (52mg/100g)> R. beninensis (38mg/100g), respectively. The GC-MS analysis identified 33, 37, and 33 different bioactive compounds from K. ivorensis, F. paniculata, and R. beninensis extracts, respectively. The most abundant compounds in the extracts are linoleic acid ethyl ester (30.76%), (E)-9-octadecanoic acid ethyl ester (17.72%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (17.29%) in K. ivorensis, ethyl oleate (23.46%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (14.55%), octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (26%) in F. paniculata and hexadecanoic methyl ester (19.24%), 9-octadecenoic acid (19.47%) in R. beninensis. The preliminary qualitative, quantitative and GC-MS assays indicated that these plants are promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be investigated for therapeutic purposes.

Evaluation of Antitoxoplasmic Potential of Selected Antimalarial Medicinal Plants from Togo: Artemisia annua L., Jatropha curcas L., Moringa oleifera Lam., and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease, poses significant health challenges, particularly in Togo with high prevalence. Limited public awareness and suboptimal treatments necessitate exploring novel therapeutic avenues. This study investigated Togolese medicinal plants, especially those traditionally used to cure malaria, as potential sources of antitoxoplasmic agents, leveraging ethnobotanical knowledge and scientific validation for accessible drug discovery. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening quantified key groups: phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides in ethanolic extracts. In vitro biological activities were evaluated, including antioxidant capacity (AAPH & DPPH assays), cytotoxicity (UptiBlue assay), hemolytic potential, and antitoxoplasmic activity against Toxoplasma gondii in Human Foreskin Fibroblasts using the CPRG method. Cytokine secretion (TNFα, NO) from RAW264.7 macrophages was also assessed. Statistical analysis employed Kruskal‒Wallis and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed ethanolic extracts, particularly from Artemisia annua, Moringa oleifera, and Sarcocephalus latifolius, to be rich in phenols and tannins. Jatropha curcas ethanolic extract showed high flavonoid content. In vitro assays demonstrated high antioxidant activity in ethanolic extracts, with Artemisia annua outperforming ascorbic acid in AAPH assay. Ethanolic extracts of Artemisia annua, Jatropha curcas, and Sarcocephalus latifolius exhibited significant antitoxoplasmic activity, Artemisia annua being the most potent. Discussion: This study demonstrated a correlation between phytochemical profiles and biological activities. Ethanolic extracts, abundant in phenols and tannins, displayed enhanced antioxidant and antitoxoplasmic properties, particularly in Artemisia annua. The show in vitro validation of antitoxoplasmic activity in antimalarial plants like Vernonia amygdalina and Sarcocephalus latifolius suggests pharmacological overlap. These findings highlight the synergistic value of ethnobotany and scientific methods in discovering bioactive compounds for parasitic diseases and oxidative stress, reinforcing the importance of traditional medicine and biodiversity. Conclusion: This research successfully reveal the anti-toxoplasmic potential of Togolese medicinal plants, notably, Artemisia annua, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Jatropha curcas. The results support further phytochemical investigations, in vivo validation, and clinical trials to fully realize the therapeutic potential and advocate for integrative healthcare strategies addressing global health challenges like toxoplasmosis.

Evaluation of total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of leaf extracts from Rhus vulgaris

Rhus vulgaris, a plant known for its rich composition of polyphenols and flavonoids, serves as a potent agent against oxidative stress and various diseases, including cancer. The aim of this study involved extraction using the solvents n-hexane, acetone, and 80% aqueous methanol, phytochemical screening, and antibacterial testing. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated via the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The study found that the extracts predominantly contain alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, and anthraquinones. Compared to the standard, the methanol extracts showed better inhibitory zones. Results revealed that total polyphenols ranged from 5.82 ± 0.6 to 83.23 ± 0.6 mgGAE/100 g, and the flavonoid content varied between 2.21 ± 0.34 to 23.47 ± 0.87 mg CE/100 g. R. vulgaris leaf extracts had excellent antioxidant activity, ranging from 0.756 ± 0.8 to 131.56 ± 0.6 mgAAE/g sample. The R. vulgaris 80% methanolic extract displayed the highest phenolic and flavonoid concentrations as well as a powerful antioxidant capacity. Based on these findings, it is possible that R. vulgaris could be turned into a natural antibiotic that works well for treating a variety of illnesses, both incurable and curable.

Physicochemical Profile of Yucca filamentosa and a Comparative Chemical Profiling Study of its Mother Tinctures Prepared in and Outside India

Abstract Yucca filamentosa is primarily used in homeopathy for treating gastric ailments, supported by its saponin content. Despite being exotic to India with limited availability, its mother tincture is widely accessible in the country. Given these factors, assessing the quality of these medicines in India is crucial. Therefore, alongside pharmacopeial standardization, a comparative chemical profiling study was conducted on mother tinctures sourced from plants grown in India (OM), those produced in India (IM), and those manufactured abroad (AM).The pharmacopeial parameters of the raw drug, such as loss on drying, different ash values, extractive values in various solvents, and volatile oil content, were measured. Additionally, phytochemical screening of the raw drug in different extractive solvents was performed. Subsequently, the physicochemical parameters including organoleptic characteristics, sediments, total solids, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra of OM, IM, and AM were compared. Further comparative phytochemical screening and qualitative high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis were conducted.The pharmacopeial data for the raw drug were reported for the first time. The comparative study on the mother tinctures OM, IM, and AM revealed significant chemical differences.The comparison of the three mother tinctures (OM, IM, and AM) highlighted substantial chemical variations, underscoring the need for more rigorous chemical and biological evaluations.

Ethanolic Extract of the Root of Asparagus Racemosus as a Potential Anthelmintic Agent against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats

Background: Asparagus racemosus (AR) plant was traditionally used as deworming remedy. The present study was aimed to investigate the anthelminthic activity of ethanolic extract of AR root (EEAR) against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Methods: The EEAR were prepared in 100% ethanol by cold extraction process. Then, phytochemical screening of the extract was done by several qualitative tests. A total 40 male goats (EPG at least 100) were allocated equally randomly in AR-100, AR-200 and Positive control (P-Ctrl) and Negative control (N-Ctrl) groups. The goats of AR-100, AR-200 and P-Ctrl groups received EEAR at the rate of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and albendazole 10 mg/kg, respectively. However, normal water was provided to N-Ctrl group. EPG count was assessed by modified Mc-Master technique on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 and FECR% were calculated on these days. Data of EPG count and FECR% were analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA followed by LSD for multiple mean comparisons by using SPSS. Results: Phytochemical screening of EEAR revealed the presence of phytosterol, terpenoids, saponin, glycosides, carbohydrate and reducing sugar. The EPG count was decreased in both extract treated group on the dose dependent manner on day 7, 14, 21 and 28. The FECR% on the extract treated group was increased on dose dependent manner on day 7, 14, 21 and 28. The 100 mg/kg bwt and 200 mg/kg bwt dose of extract showed the maximum FECR% 73.05±2.90 and 87.18±5.41 respectively on day 28. Conclusion: The 200 mg/kg bwt dose of EEAR has sufficient anthelmintic activity against nematodes in goat. Novelty: There was no research on anthelminthic efficacy of EEAR against gastrointestinal nematodes in goat. This research is novel approach for controlling the gastrointestinal nematodes in goat by using the phytoconstituent of AR root. This study scientifically contributes to the animal health and sustainable goat farming.

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of Cucumis pubescens methanolic extract

Helminthiasis, also known as worm infection, is any macro parasitic disease of humans and other animals in which a part of the body is infected with parasitic worms, known as helminths. Cucumis pubescens, also known as kachri, has various therapeutic effects in gastrointestinal pain, used as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and supports immune function. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of Cucumis pubescens fruits was carried out using different reagents, which revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, glycosides. Methanolic extract of Cucumis pubescens fruits (MECP) was investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations (1.25-10 mg/ml) of each extract were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms.

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Lagenairia breviflora FRUIT AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL APPLICATIONS

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a synthetic method that utilizes biological sources for their production. It is gaining attention due to its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly nature, and compatibility with large-scale production. Herein is a detailed report on the green synthesis of AgNPs and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity. Aqueous extract of Lagenaria breviflora fruit was obtained via maceration and then screened to determine the presence of important phytochemicals. The synthesis of AgNPs was carried out in the dark to avoid photodegradation of silver nitrate solution. 0.005M AgNO? solution was added to aqueous extract of Lagenaria breviflora fruit in a ratio of 80:20. The mixture was maintained at 60°C for 6 hours under constant stirring. A color changes was observed, indicating the formation of AgNPs; which was confirmed by a visual color change from light yellow to dark brown due to the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM revealed the surface morphology and the average particle size of 73.20 nm, X-ray diffraction showed an average crystallites size of 12.83 nm in the range of 10-700, FTIR revealed the presence of important functional groups responsible for reduction of silver ions and UV-Visible spectrophotometer showed maximum absorbance peak of 435 nm in the range of 300-700nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs were tested against clinical pathogens including gram negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) using agar well diffusion method. The result showed that the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a potential to inhibit the growth of bacterial with inhibition zones diameter of 12mm, 11mm and 11mm observed for the tested organisms compare to the 19mm of the control (Ciprofloxacin). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannnis, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and carotenoids.

Antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from Kaempferia galanga L. rhizome against pathogenic bacteria

Bacterial infectious diseases have become a serious global health problem due to the increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from Kaempferia galanga L. rhizome against pathogenic bacteria. The extract was prepared using 96% ethanol through maceration, yielding 14.86% (w/w) of concentrated extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, with inhibition zones ranging from 6.08-16.38 mm. The most pronounced effect was observed against S. aureus (16.38 mm) at 100% concentration, followed by B. subtilis (15.27 mm), E. coli (12.78 mm), and P. aeruginosa (10.83 mm). Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated higher susceptibility than Gram-negative bacteria. According to Davis & Stout classification, the antibacterial activity of 100% extract against all test bacteria ranged from moderate to strong. These findings suggest that K. galanga rhizome extract has significant antibacterial potential that supports its traditional use in treating infectious diseases and warrants further investigation for development as a natural antibacterial agent.

Morphological, Anatomical Characteristics, and Phytochemical Screening of the Leaves of Goniothalamus flagellistylus Tagane & V. S. Dang, Annonaceae

Goniothalamus flagellistylus Tagane & V. S. Dang (Annonaceae) is a new species of genus Goniothalamus discovered in 2015. Many species belonging to the genus Goniothalamus, which is widely used as traditional medicines for the treatment of miscarriage, fever, skin infections, and cancers. This study aims to investigate the morphology, microscopic characteristics, and chemical constituents of this plant in order to provide a valuable information for the taxonomical identification of this species in the genus Goniothalamus. Consequently, morphological characteristics: small tree, simple leaves, alternate, margin entire, flower simple cyme, bisexual, grows on the main stem and old branches, calyx and corolla are green in color, 6 petals regular. The anatomical characteristics of the leaf have been identified, including: main vein, leaf blade, and leaf stalk. Leaf powder has contented: covering trichomes, brachysclereids, parenchyma cells, stomata... The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of triterpenoids, proanthocyanidins, tannins, organic acids, polyuronic compounds, saponins, anthocyanidin glycosides, and anthraglycosides. The scientific name of plant was identified as G. flagellistylus Tagane & V. S. Dang by morphological characteristics and DNA sesquencing and this is the first reported for micromorphological features, leaf powder and phytochemical composition of this plant.

FOURIER-TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERISATION OF THE DIFFERENT FRACTIONS FROM Anthocleista vogelii PLANCH LEAF EXTRACTS

Medicinal plants are used to treat and prevent ailments largely due to the presence of phytochemicals in them. This study was aimed at identifying the phytochemicals present in the leaf of Anthoclestia vogelii using established methods. The air-dried leaves were pulverized and One kilogram of the sample was extracted in absolute methanol for seventy two hours. The concentrated extract weighs 271.25 g. The crude extract (7.0 g) was loaded on a silica gel packed column using gradient elution of n-hexane (100%), ethyl acetate-methanol (50:50) and methanol (100%). Characterisation of the fractions was done using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Phytochemical screening of the lyophilized brown viscous methanol extract of A. vogelii shows the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols. The fractionated and purified crude extract of A. vogelii with n-hexane, ethyl acetate-methanol and methanol yielded 1.75, 0.32 and 0.84 g labeled as X, Y and Z respectively. The FT-IR spectra revealed prominent absorption bands at 2855 – 2955, 1714, 1461 and 1379-1006 cm-1 in Fraction X, while 3321, 2885 – 2970, 1647, 1326 – 1449 and 1043 cm-1 in Fraction Y, and 3321, 2829 – 2981, 1416 – 1446, 1110 cm-1 in Fraction Z. The absorption bands suggested the presence of C=C bearing phytochemicals in Y, –OH bearing phytochemicals in Y and Z while C=O bearing phytochemicals in Fractions X.

Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical analyses of Myristica fragrans Seed extracts on Some Clinical Microbial Isolates

The global public health challenge resulting from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reaching about 5 million annually necessitates the search for viable alternatives to synthetic drugs for treating infectious diseases. In this study, the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of the Myristica fragrans seed extract was evaluated against some selected clinical isolates. The phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods, while the antimicrobial assay, and the minimum inhibitory/ bactericidal concentration tests of the extracts were conducted using agar well and broth dilution methods respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility test was used to determine the sensitivity of the isolates to the seed extracts. The phytochemical analysis yielded some extracts with Quinones, alkaloids, saponins in higher quantities. The results from the antimicrobial assay showed that methanolic extracts had higher inhibitory zones of 20mm against Escherichia coli and least in Staphylococcus aureus with 9mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 31.25 mg/ml and 62.5mg/ml were recorded for the methanolic and aqueous extracts. Conventional antibiotics like streptomycin, tarvid and gentamycin showed higher zones of inhibition than the seed extracts while others such as ampiclox, erythromycin and pefloxacin failed to inhibit the growth of some isolates. This study showed that Myristica fragrans seed extracts possess the potentials to treat antibiotic-resistant infections caused by the tested isolates in this study. However, there is need for further studies on optimization and standardization of the extraction method, mechanisms of actions of the bioactive compounds and toxicity of the Myristica fragrans seeds extract.

<i>In Silico </i>Screening of Phenylpropanoid and Polyketide Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors of Mpox Viral Proteins

Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease similar to smallpox, poses significant public health challenges, particularly in Africa, with recent outbreaks in regions like India emphasising its global threat. In this study, we propose a novel strategy to combat the mpox virus infection by targeting surface proteins critical for viral entry and fusion. Using advanced computational techniques, we predicted and refined the 3D structures of six MPXV surface proteins: Q8V4U9 (A30L), Q8V4V7 (A21L), Q8V4Y0 (E8L), Q8V4Z8 (M5R), Q8V503 (G10R), and Q8V509 (G2L). A total of 18,877 phytochemicals from the phenylpropanoids and polyketides superclasses and 3,575 antiviral therapeutics were retrieved from the IMPPAT database. After removing overlapping compounds, 888 phytochemicals were subjected to SWISS ADME screening, resulting in 191 lead-like and drug-like molecules. These compounds were docked against MPXV surface proteins using PyRx, and their top-scoring 2D and 3D interactions were visualised using Discovery Studio. The key docking results were as follows: Q8V4U9: -7.6 kcal/mol with Pongaglabrone, Boeravinone E, and Boeravinone F, each forming one hydrogen bond at SER118, SER46, and ASN37, respectively. Q8V4V7: -8.2 kcal/mol with 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one, forming a hydrogen bond at ALA62. Q8V4Y0: -8.9 kcal/mol with Pongaglabrone and Liquiritigenin, forming hydrogen bonds at ASN92, ASN79, and SER6. Q8V503: -8.8 kcal/mol with Skullcapflavone I, forming a hydrogen bond at GLN147. Q8V509: -8.5 kcal/mol with Pongaglabrone, forming a hydrogen bond at SER110. Q8V4Z8: -8.8 kcal/mol with Skullcapflavone I, forming hydrogen bonds at LEU73 and ALA71. Our results suggest that Pongaglabrone and Skullcapflavone I are promising therapeutic candidates against MPXV. In conclusion, this study highlights Pongaglabrone and Skullcapflavone I as potent phytochemical candidates targeting key MPXV surface proteins, offering a promising, nature-derived approach for developing effective antiviral therapies against mpox.

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI: UNCOVERING THE ROLE OF PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among women and are commonly caused by Escherichia coli. Although antibiotics are effective, their misuse contributes to rising antimicrobial resistance. Psidium guajava L., a traditional Indonesian medicinal plant, has shown promise as an alternative antibacterial agent. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of P. guajava leaf extract against E. coli. Methods: Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion method with E. coli ATCC 25922. Ethanolic extracts were obtained by maceration. Six treatment groups, including various concentrations of levofloxacin and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were tested to compare antibacterial effects. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins—compounds known for their antimicrobial activity. Inhibition zone diameters were measured and analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA. Discussion: The guava leaf extract demonstrated inhibitory activity against E. coli, likely due to its bioactive compounds. These constituents may exert antibacterial effects through disruption of nucleic acid synthesis, interference with membrane integrity, inhibition of energy metabolism, and prevention of biofilm formation. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaves exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.