Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Potential, And In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation Of Dysoxylum Binectariferum Bark Extract Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

The present study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of Dysoxylum binectariferum bark extracts. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides, with ethanolic and ethyl acetate fractions being particularly rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Quantitative assays revealed high total phenolic content (375.6 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (186.4 ± 5.1 mg RE/g) in the ethanolic extract. Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong radical scavenging activities in a concentration-dependent manner. The ethanolic extract exhibited lower IC₅₀ values for DPPH (41.6 µg/mL), ABTS (37.8 µg/mL), and hydrogen peroxide (44.5 µg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract, though both were less potent than ascorbic acid or gallic acid standards. The FRAP assay further confirmed the reducing ability of the ethanolic extract (1212.4 ± 35.6 µmol TE/g). In antimicrobial evaluation, the ethanolic extract displayed significant activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Zone of inhibition values ranged from 23.3–29.6 mm, with MIC values of 6.25–12.5 mg/mL and MBC values of 25–50 mg/mL. The aqueous extract showed moderate activity, while standard antibiotics (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin) remained more potent. The study establishes D. binectariferum bark as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, providing scientific support for its traditional uses and highlighting its potential as a candidate for phytopharmaceutical development.