Biological properties of Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. leaves

Dendrobium crumenatum Sw. is one of the native species of orchids in the Philippines, which is known for the aesthetic value of its blossoms. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine, but few studies have been conducted. The present study was carried out to determine the biological properties of ethanolic extracts from D. crumenatum leaves, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxicity, and teratogenicity. The phytochemical composition was determined using the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method. Results revealed that essential oils, phenols, fatty acids, anthraquinones, coumarins, anthrones, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids were present in the ethanolic extract of D. crumenatum leaves. An antioxidant property of 584.9 ug/mg and a total phenolic content of 496.139 mg GAE/g were also detected. Moreover, antibacterial property as a protectant was recorded against Escherichia coli Escherich, Th. 1885 and Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach, 1884. Meanwhile, no antifungal property was observed in the ethanolic extract of D. crumenatum leaves. Regarding cytotoxicity, the results revealed a moderately toxic effect with LC50 value of 341.680 ppm. Lastly, the ethanolic extract of D. crumenatum leaves caused the lethal effect on zebrafish embryo, such as embryo coagulation and absence of heartbeat, while its teratogenic effects included severe growth retardation, yolk deformity, and delayed embryo development. Thus, D. crumenatum leaf extract contains phytochemical constituents with moderate toxicity, depicting its pharmaceutical potential.