Impact of sodium carbonate processing on the chemical profile and antimicrobial properties of saussurea lappa root extracts

Saussurea lappa (S. lappa), belongs to the family Asteraceae , is widely used in treating various diseases and disorders, and has diverse biological effects. Impure S. lappa may be contaminated with highly toxic Aristolochic acids (AAs), which can cause severe nephropathy known as Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). This study aims to examine the phytochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy of S. lappa after treatment with Na 2 CO 3(aq) to eliminate AA contaminants, if present. The S. lappa roots were divided into; untreated sample, and a sample treated with Na 2 CO 3(aq) . They were extracted separately in water and methanol, analyzed using LC-MS, and examined against selected pathogenic microorganisms via the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). In LC-MS, Bromobenzoic acid (20 %), Humulone (9 %), Terphenyl (6 %), Nonacosyne (6 %), and Capsaicin (5 %) were detected in the untreated sample, while Pimelamide (7 %) and Naphthamide (7 %) were detected in the treated sample. In aqueous extracts, the MICs for P. aeruginosa , B. Subtilis , S. aureus , S. epidermidis , and C. albican s remained unchanged for both treated and untreated samples, whereas for E. coli increased in the treated sample. In methanolic extracts, the MICs for S. aureus and C. albicans increased in the treated sample. However, the inhibition of the treated sample was lost against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, S. epidermidis, and E. coli. Solvent type and treatment with Na 2 CO 3(aq) have a significant influence on phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of S. lappa root. The aqueous extract showed remarkable antimicrobial results against all strains in treated and untreated samples.