Characterisation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Flower Extracts of <i>Myristica fragrans</i> and Their Pharmacological Applications

Background: The excessive use of antibiotics has posed a global threat and challenge to the emergence of drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Various innovative methods, including using naturally occurring compounds to weaken antibacterial activity, are under investigation to address this issue. Nutmeg seeds are commonly used as spices in culinary applications and traditional medicine, as they are known for their stomachic, analgesic, and stimulant properties. Aim: The primary objective of the present work was to assess the antimicrobial activity of the flower extract of Myristica fragrans post purification process by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography. Methods: The column fractions were then assessed for their antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens, followed by the characterisation of the bioactive compounds by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Result: The characterisation analysis resulted in a compound called elemicin, a phenyl propene compound with a high yield of 62%. The second phase of the study involved the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination and biofilm inhibition of elemicin against ESKAPE pathogens, along with the toxicity study on MRC-5 cell lines with signs of no toxicity, obtaining an IC50 value of 194.889 ug/ml. Conclusion: This present study of the characterisation of the bioactive compounds from the flower extract of M. fragrans was conducted for the first time. There have been no earlier studies pertaining to this, and the results exhibited by the bioactive compound as potent biofilm inhibitors and antimicrobial agents are worth mentioning and can be further extrapolated to translational research. Major Findings: The analytical process of characterisation of the crude extract of M. fragrans was a major finding in the present study where 6 different fractions were separated and each identified via GC-MS technique. The identification of 3 potent antibacterial compounds namely elemicin, p-Menth-1-en-4-ol and p-Cymene with a good yield and low cytotoxicity was a breakthrough in the study which could be further extrapolated to translational research.