EVALUATION OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF CRATEROSIPHON SCANDENS LEAVES AGAINST SOME CLINICALLY RELEVANT PATHOGENS.

Craterosiphon scandens is a plant species traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of both fresh and dry leaves of Craterosiphon scandens. The phytochemical composition was analyzed in both fresh and dry leaves using qualitative and quantitative methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ferric reducing power assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against various bacterial and fungal isolates. The results showed that both fresh and dry leaves contained a variety of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, and tannins. The antioxidant activity was significant, with IC50 values of 1.23 ± 0.02 mg/ml and 1.56 ± 0.03 mg/ml for fresh and dry leaves, respectively. The ferric reducing power ranged from moderate to high (59.27 ± 2.2% and 60.62 ± 2.5% for fresh and dry leaves, respectively). The antimicrobial properties were more pronounced in fresh leaves (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity between the fresh and dry leaves. The results of this study suggest that both fresh and dry C. scandens leaves have potential as sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. The findings provide scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of this plant for medicinal purposes.