Phytochemical characterisations of Cinnamomum tamala stem bark: Antioxidant, antimutagenic, antifungal properties, and antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Cinnamomum tamala, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic practices, is known for its broad therapeutic applications. The present study explores the bioactive potential of C. tamala stem bark extracts in combating oxidative stress, mutagenesis, fungal infections, and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Methanolic (CtSBME), ethyl acetate (CtSBEE), and hexane (CtSBHE) stem bark extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening and GC-MS profiling, and evaluated for antioxidant, antimutagenic, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. CtSBME showed the richest phytochemical content: alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids, with the highest phenolic (35.87 mg GAE g-1) and flavonoid (15.66 mg RE g-1) levels. It demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (83.45% DPPH inhibition at 4000 ?g mL-1) and significant antimutagenic effects, reducing mutagenicity by up to 59.41%. It exhibited strong antifungal activity, particularly against Candida spp., and inhibited multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive metabolites including linalool, cinnamaldehyde, and nerolidol. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential of C. tamala bark and support further exploration as a source of natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and chemoprotective agents, for drug development.