A comprehensive study on chemical and biological profiles of <i>Zygophyllum indicum</i> (Burm.f.) Christenh. &amp; Byng

This study aimed to determine the chemical and biological composition of <i>Zygophyllum indicum</i> (Burm.f.) Christenh. & Byng. Phenolic compounds were analysed <i>via</i> HPLC-PDA, essential oils/volatiles using GC-MS, and fatty acid profiling through GC-FID. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay, while antibacterial screening was performed by evaluating the inhibition capability of the extract against four organisms: <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>. Six phenolic compounds were detected, i.e. vanillin being the dominant one. A total of 52 volatile compounds were identified in the plant's essential oil, and 13 fatty acids were detected <i>via</i> GC-FID, with unsaturated fatty acids present in higher concentrations. The ethanol extract exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. These findings highlight <i>Z. indicum</i> as a valuable natural source of nutritionally significant compounds and antioxidants. Additionally, the data provide useful insights for industries that utilise this medicinal plant as raw material for therapeutic formulations.