Metabolomic profiling, FT-IR and GC-MS characterization and bioactivity of Psychotria adenophylla leaf extracts

Psychotria adenophylla Wall. belongs to Rubiaceae family and known “Chelianthua” in Odisha. It’s used as traditional medicine and an efficient analytical method for reliably assessing the quality of P. adenophylla leaves has yet to be clearly developed. The present study investigated the preliminary phytochemical screening, FT-IR and GC-MS characterization, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-bacterial activity of different solvents leaves extract where it showed significant biological activities. Qualitative analysis was used to identify the secondary metabolites saponin, tannin, alkaloid, phenol, phlobatannin, steroid, terpenoid, glycosides, anthraquinone and flavonoids. Quantitative phytochemical screening of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total steroid content (TSC) was done using different methods. FT-IR and GC-MS was done using crude extracts, viz., Petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was done by albumin inhibition assay. In-vitro hypoglycemic effect was studied using α-amylase inhibition assay and α-glucosidase assay. Antibacterial potential was studied through agar well diffusion method, MIC and MBC were evaluated by serial dilution method. Result showed the presence of secondary metabolites viz. saponin, tannins, alkaloids, phenol, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, anthraquinone and flavonoids. Total phenolic content was evaluated to be 118.76 mg GAE, total flavonoid content was 47.42 mg/g rutin equivalent and total steroid content was estimated to be 104.9 mg/g of diosgenin in petroleum ether (PA-Pe) extract which was higher than chloroform (PA-C) i.e 65.51 mg/g of diosgenin and 49.15 mg/g of diosgenin in aqueous extract (PA-A). GC-MS spectrum shows 25 compounds in PA-Pe crude extract, where PA-C showed 50 compounds. The petroleum ether extract demonstrated superior biological activity, exhibiting 73.79 % α-amylase and 71.55 % α-glucosidase inhibition (antidiabetic activity), along with significant antibacterial effects against gram-negative pathogens (18.32 ± 0.58 mm zone against K. pneumoniae) with MIC/MBC values of 37.5 µg/mL where in gram positive bacteria B. subtilis showed higher zone of inhibition of 17.39 ± 0.64. The lowest MIC and MBC were evaluated for both K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis i.e 37.5 µg/mL and > 37.5 µg/mL Every test revealed that petroleum ether extract was more active than chloroform and aqueous extracts. These findings highlight PA-Pe as the most effective extract, suggesting its potential as a source of natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic agents.