Comparative analysis of antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of different extracts of Turraea vogelii leaves

Abstract

<i>Turraea vogelii Hook</i>.f. is a plant valued for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the comparative analysis of antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of different extracts of <i>Turrea vogelii Hook</i>.f. leaves. The fresh leaves of the plant were harvested, air-dried, ground, and extracted with three solvents based on polarity (Dichloromethane (DCM), Ethyl Acetate, and n-hexane) via a maceration procedure. The antioxidant and antibacterial potential of these compounds was tested to assess their efficacy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyse the functional groups and organic compounds present in the drug materials, respectively. Antioxidant screening identified flavonoids (24.63 ± 0.47, 19.96 ± 0.17, 21.04 ± 0.04), phenols (20.18 ± 0.4, 17.61 ± 0.11, 8.65 ± 0.15) in 100μg/mL of the DCM, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane crude extracts, respectively. The antibacterial evaluation showed that the DCM extract demonstrated potent activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 3.125 µg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranging from 6.25 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL against pathogens such as <i>Escherichia coli</i> ATCC 35218, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2921, <i>Escherichia coli</i> ATCC 25922, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> ATCC 27853, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> ATCC 700303, and <i>Salmonella typhi</i> ATCC14028. FTIR analysis identified several functional groups in the extract, including hydroxyls, alkanes, amides, ethers, and amines, indicative of diverse bioactive compounds, and GC-MS identified key compounds like squalene and Hexanoic acid. The results highlight the potential of plant leaves to possess notable antioxidants and antibacterial properties, supporting their traditional use in folk medicine and paving the way for the development of novel antibacterial agents.