Phytochemical, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Toxicity and Antimicrobial Activities of Sarcophrynium brachystachys (Benth) K. Shum Leaves

Abstract

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Sarcophrynium brachystachys leaf extract. The extract was obtained through ethanol percolation and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, revealing significant amounts of flavonoids (5.51 mg/100 g), alkaloids (6.68 mg/100 g), and saponins (4.28 mg/100 g). Antibacterial screening against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated notable inhibitory effects, particularly with the methanol fraction showing zones of inhibition ranging from 12±1.03 mm to 15±1.23 mm. Acute toxicity evaluation revealed no mortalities across all dose groups, indicating a favorable safety profile. Anti-inflammatory assessment exhibited dose-dependent reductions in paw circumference post-induction, with percentage inhibition ranging from 34.07% to 40.98% compared to aspirin (56.92%). Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated dose-dependent scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (18.90% to 73.74%), nitric oxide radicals (13.10% to 73.16%), and ferric ions (3.91% to 53.92%). These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of S. brachystachys leaf extract as a source of natural bioactive compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, warranting further investigation for pharmaceutical applications.