Phytochemical composition and bioactivity assessment of Ixora nigricans R.Br. ex Wight & Arn. leaf extract

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the phytochemicals and bioactivities of the methanolic leaf extract to verify the traditional therapeutic uses of Ixora nigricans R.Br. ex Wight & Arn. The shrub has historical record of use as Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Bangladesh to treat diverse illnesses. The study examined its oxidation-inhibiting, inflammation-reducing, cell-killing, and bactericidal capabilities. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, quinines, phenols, and proteins while anthraquinones, flavonoids, and phlobatannins were absent. The leaf extract exhibited significant oxidation inhibiting (IC₅₀ = 38.52 µg/mL), inflammation-reducing (IC₅₀ = 86.18 µg/mL) and cell-killing (LC₅₀ = 30.43 µg/mL) abilities. Additionally, it inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (9.5 mm) and showed moderate bactericidal effects (11mm) at a concentration of 250 µg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella typhi. Overall, these findings corroborate the traditional application of I. nigricans and emphasise its capacity to develop novel, natural remedies for diverse health conditions.

Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol.13 (1&2): 1-6, 2025