Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Phytochemical analysis of six medicinal plants through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and evaluation of their antibacterial activity against clinically isolated MDR uropathogens
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Amalareshma A., Nandhini K., Malini G., Keerthana R., Saradhai P., Sasikala S.
Research Articles | Published: 27 March, 2025
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Keywords: Uropathogens, Multidrug resistance, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemicals, GC–MS, Natural compounds
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogens necessitates alternative antimicrobial strategies, including plant-derived bioactive compounds. Medicinal plants have been widely explored for their therapeutic potential, particularly for treating infections. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts from six medicinal plants—Phyllanthus niruri, Hybanthus enneaspermus, Punica granatum, Trachyspermum ammi, Terminalia chebula and Tamarindus indica. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenols in varying amounts. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts obtained from T. indica and P. granatum showed more potent antibacterial activity on all uropathogens, with IZ ranging 18–24 and 18–32 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for Tamarindus indica and Punica granatum, with MIC values ranging from 4 mg/mL to 64 mg/ml. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified bioactive compounds that may contribute to antimicrobial activity. The results highlight the potential of these plants as cost-effective, natural antimicrobial agents for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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Author Information
PG and Research Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai, India