COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES, ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF LANTANA CAMARA LEAF EXTRACTS

Lantana camara L. is a widespread invasive weed that native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and America. This study investigated its potential benefits by extracting active components from its leaves using various methods including conventional (aqueous extraction) and nonconventional (ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction). The polyphenols and phytohormones profiles of the extracts were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antiproliferative activity of the extracts was assessed for antibacterial and nematicidal potentials. Notably, the enzyme-assisted extract had better antibacterial activity compared to the other methods. Additionally, the extracts exhibited varying degrees of nematicidal activity, showing significant efficacy against Meloidogyne juveniles. Furthermore, the general biological activity of the extracts was evaluated using seed germination bioassay. Interestingly, the ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts significantly stimulated wheat seedling growth. In contrast, the aqueous extract displayed the highest phytochemicals and antioxidant activity compared to the ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts. This suggests that different extraction methods may target different bioactive compounds with diverse biological effects. In conclusion, this study suggests that L. camara extracts, particularly those obtained through enzyme-assisted methods, possess promising antibacterial, nematicidal, and antioxidant properties. This may open further research and potential development of natural alternatives for various applications.