Phytochemical composition

Urinary tract pathogens are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics, prompting interest in plant-derived bioactive agents. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antibacterial potential of Cinnamomum tamala bark extracts against selected clinical isolates. Dried bark samples were subjected to aqueous and ethanolic extraction, followed by phytochemical screening using GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using ditch plate and agar well diffusion methods, while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined via agar dilution techniques. The ethanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 8.25 ± 4.8 mm at 50 µg/mL to 21.75 ± 2.93 mm at 800 µg/mL, showing significant differences across concentrations (p = 0.034). The aqueous extract exhibited no effect at low concentrations but was active at higher concentration, producing inhibition zones up to 6.50 ± 3.77 mm, significantly different across groups (p < 0.001). MIC results indicated stronger activity for the ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli (12.5 µg/mL), compared to the aqueous extract, which required higher concentrations (100–200 µg/mL) across organisms. Similarly, ethanolic MBC values ranged between 25–100 µg/mL, significantly lower than the consistent 200 µg/mL required for the aqueous extract. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols in both extracts, while saponins and glycosides were exclusive to the aqueous extract, and steroids and resins were unique to the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified major constituents including Squalene (21.13%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (17.62%), and 13-Octadecenal (16.89%) in the ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract was dominated by 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (28.24%) and Cyclopropane derivatives (17.04%). These findings highlight the potent antibacterial efficacy of C. tamala ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli, with activity linked to its terpenoid and fatty acid constituents. The results suggest that C. tamala may serve as a promising source of natural antimicrobials.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a medicinal plant widely employed in West African ethnomedicine for the management of diabetes mellitus and chronic wounds, yet the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its therapeutic efficacy remain insufficiently
characterized. The aim of this study was to profile the phytochemical composition of the root extract to identify bioactive compounds validating its traditional antidiabetic use. The research involved the collection and preparation of root samples, followed by solvent extraction and subsequent analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to separate and identify volatile components based on their retention times, peak areas, and mass spectral fragmentation patterns. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of distinct bioactive compounds, with carbohydrate derivatives and glycosides being the most dominant
class. Specifically, Inositol, 1-deoxy- was identified as the major constituent, accounting for 43.45% of the total extract, followed by alpha-Methyl Mannofuranoside (3.79%) and the antioxidant D-alpha-Tocopherol (1.13%). The substantial concentration of inositol derivatives, which are known mediators of insulin signal transduction, alongside potent antioxidant agents, scientifically substantiates the traditional application of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in the management of diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Urinary tract pathogens are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics, prompting interest in plant-derived bioactive agents. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antibacterial potential of Cinnamomum tamala bark extracts against selected clinical isolates. Dried bark samples were subjected to aqueous and ethanolic extraction, followed by phytochemical screening using GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using ditch plate and agar well diffusion methods, while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined via agar dilution techniques. The ethanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 8.25 ± 4.8 mm at 50 µg/mL to 21.75 ± 2.93 mm at 800 µg/mL, showing significant differences across concentrations (p = 0.034). The aqueous extract exhibited no effect at low concentrations but was active at higher concentration, producing inhibition zones up to 6.50 ± 3.77 mm, significantly different across groups (p < 0.001). MIC results indicated stronger activity for the ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli (12.5 µg/mL), compared to the aqueous extract, which required higher concentrations (100–200 µg/mL) across organisms. Similarly, ethanolic MBC values ranged between 25–100 µg/mL, significantly lower than the consistent 200 µg/mL required for the aqueous extract. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, andphenols in both extracts, while saponins and glycosides were exclusive to the aqueous extract, and steroids and resins were unique to the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified major constituents including Squalene (21.13%), 9- Octadecenoic acid (17.62%), and 13-Octadecenal (16.89%) in the ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract was dominated by 9- orabicy clo[3.3.1]nonane (28.24%) and Cyclopropane derivatives (17.04%). These findings highlight the potent antibacterial efficacy of C. tamala ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli, with activity linked to its terpenoid and fatty acid constituents. The results suggest that C. tamala may serve as a promising source of natural antimicrobials.

Carica papaya is a widely recognized medicinal plant commonly employed in traditional medicine for the management of diverse health conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and sub-acute toxicological effects of C. papaya leaf ethanol extract in female Wistar rats. The leaves were collected, authenticated, and subjected to qualitative phytochemicai screening, which revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, and anthraquinones, while tannins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and triterpenes were absent. For the toxicological assessment, rats were orally administered C. papaya leaf extract at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Hematological analysis indicated mild modulation of immune parameters, with dose-dependent decreases in WBC and lymphocyte counts and increased neutrophils, while RBC indices remained stable. Biochemical assays revealed no significant alterations in renal (urea, creatinine) and liver (AST, ALT, ALP,bilirubin) markers, and serum protein levels were unaffected. Electrolyte profiles showed minor changes in potassium and bicarbonate levels without evidence of overt toxicity. Histopathological evaluation of major organs, including liver, kidney, spleen,lungs, heart, and uterus, demonstrated preserved architecture, with only minor adaptive cellular changes, such as slight hepatocyte enlargement and increased lymphoid follicle size in the spleen. Overall, sub-acute administration of C. papaya leaf ethanol extract at the tested doses exhibited no severe toxicity, suggesting that it is generally safe and may confer protective effects on multiple organ systems. These xii findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of C. papaya and warrant further pharmacological investigation