Phytochemical and Bioactive Properties of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Piper Betle (L.) from Sabah

Introduction Non-healing wounds can lead to severe complications, highlighting the need for effective treatments. This study aims to develop natural wound care products or complementary therapies, bridging traditional knowledge with modern healthcare. Methods Phytochemical compounds and total phenolic and flavonoid content were measured. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate antioxidant assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Human dermal fibroblast neonatal cells were used to quantify the cytotoxicity effects of Piper betle extracts using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The extract at different concentrations was used to treat the cells using a scratch wound healing assay. Finally, several dilutions of the extract were tested on three antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to measure the extract's antibacterial activity. Results Phytochemical screening identified all other key compounds (phenolic, flavonoid, glycoside, saponin, tannin, terpenoid) but alkaloids. It showed high mean phenolic and flavonoid values with moderately high antioxidant activities, whereby moderate EC 50 value (138.8 µg/mL) and even higher metal-reducing ability 5393.79 ± 631.96 mg Fe (II)/g DW was calculated. The IC 50 value was moderate at 67.54 µg/mL. The extract showed significant positive effects on the rate of wound closure (P < 0.05), demonstrating fully closed wounds in 24 and 30 hours after treatment. The extract significantly influences antibacterial activity (P < 0.05), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most susceptible to growth inhibition, followed by Salmonella enterica , and lastly, Escherichia coli . Conclusion In conclusion, Piper betle leaf extracts fortified its application as a therapeutic antioxidant and wound healing agent by inhibiting bacterial growth and increasing wound contraction rate.