Uncovering the Healing Properties of Plumbago auriculata L.

Karishma Singh

doi:10.51168/g4znbk94

Autori

Karishma Singh Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs, 4026, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/g4znbk94

Cuvinte cheie:

Plumbago auriculata, plant phytochemistry, Cape Leadwort, Plumbago capensis, phytocompounds

Rezumat

Background:

Plumbago auriculata L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional healing practices.

Aim:

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents present in leaf extracts of P. auriculata and to evaluate their antibacterial activity.

Setting:

This experimental laboratory study used P. auriculata leaves collected in Durban, South Africa, in May 2023, followed by laboratory-based phytochemical and antibacterial analyses.

Methods:

Qualitative phytochemical screening and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to characterise bioactive constituents of the leaf extracts. Antibacterial activity was assessed against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar-based screening, with bacterial suspensions standardised to 0.5 McFarland.

Results:

GC–MS analysis of the methanolic leaf extract identified 50 compounds, with 13-docosenamide, hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, n-tetracosanol-1, 1,10-cycloicosanedione, and 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin among the major constituents. Qualitative screening showed multiple classes of secondary metabolites across the solvent extracts. The methanolic leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusion:

P. auriculata leaves contain diverse phytochemical constituents and demonstrate antibacterial potential, supporting further investigation of this species as a source of bioactive compounds.

Recommendation:

Future studies should include bioassay-guided isolation, cytotoxicity testing, mechanistic studies, and in vivo safety and efficacy assessments before therapeutic applications are considered.

Biografie autor

Karishma Singh, Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs, 4026, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

a Senior Lecturer, is affiliated with the Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa. Research expertise is in Phytomedicine and Plant Biotechnology.

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