Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and phytotoxic potentials of Erythrina speciosa Andrews leaves

In order to enhance the chemical and biological understanding of the genus Erythrina, this study evaluated the chemical composition, phytotoxicity, and antioxidant potential of the hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) phases from the methanolic extract of E. speciosaleaves. The DCM and EtOAc phases exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical reduction percentages exceeding 90%. Phytotoxicity tests revealed the phytotoxic potential of the DCM and EtOAc phases, inhibiting the growth of L. sativa seedlings by more than 40% and 30%, respectively, at concentrations of 1000 ppm and 500 ppm. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high total phenolic content in the DCM and EtOAc phases, where flavonoids such as apigenin, abyssinone II, wighteone, sigmoidin I, orientanol E, vitexin, and quercitrin were detected through techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), and thin layer chromatography (TLC). These compounds may be associated with the observed antioxidant potential and the inhibitory effects observed on L. sativa. However, further research on the isolated effects of these metabolites is warranted.