PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES, AND ANTI-MRSA ACTIVITIES OF CLINACANTHUS NUTANS EXTRACT

Clinacanthus nutans is recognized for its anticancer and antiviral properties. This study delineates a pioneering exploration of the antioxidant and anti-MRSA properties of extracts from Clinacanthus nutans (CN) leaves, predicated on their copious bioactive constituents, specifically total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC). Through the utilization of ethyl acetate extraction, phytochemical screening, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and antimicrobial assay techniques, the researchers exhibited that the unrefined CN extract displayed antibacterial efficacy against three variants of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 29213, MRSA 4738, and MRSA 20649). The experimental results of the phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract contains tannins and flavonoids. The polyphenol compounds and flavonoids content of CN leaves extract in the ethyl acetate fraction had also been reported with higher flavonoids, 350.61 mg QE/g crude extract. In this study, the antioxidant activity of CN extracts in ethyl acetate solvent with DPPH, ABTS and FRAP was 53.88, 51.61 and 69.19 mg TE/g crude extract, respectively. The MIC and MBC values against Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 29213 were identified as 8 and 16 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, the CN crude extract demonstrated MIC and MBC values of 3.125 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST 4738 and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST 20649, respectively. This approach facilitates the enhancement of antibacterial efficacy by diminishing the MIC and MBC of CN extracts via the recognition and use of particular bioactive compounds. New research findings enhance the current knowledge of antibacterial agents and support the development of cost-effective therapies, reducing reliance on imported drugs and health care costs.