Extraction and evaluation of bioactive compounds from the leaf extracts of <i>Echinodorus cordifolius</i>

The chemically varied bioactive substances present in medicinal plants have been extremely beneficial in drug development. Natural plant-based compounds utilized in traditional therapy are the source of many contemporary medications. Promising drug leads may be found by screening these substances, particularly those with antioxidant and antibacterial qualities. To improve the recovery of both polar and nonpolar molecules, bioactive chemicals were extracted from <i>Echinodorus cordifolius</i> leaves using a variety of solvents. Thirteen separate fractions containing a range of secondary metabolites were obtained by column chromatography. Proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids were all found by phytochemical examination. With a lower IC<sub>50</sub> value than ascorbic acid, the crude methanolic extract of <i>E. cordifolius</i> demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity and a high capacity to scavenge free radicals. EC-I was one of the chromatographic fractions that showed strong antibacterial activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>, and <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i>. Important bioactive substances with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, including palmatine, methyl gallate, afzelechin, epiafzelechin, and quercetin, were discovered by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). These results demonstrate the medicinal potential of <i>E. cordifolius</i> and the necessity of further research to identify and assess these chemicals for possible medication development.