A report on metabolite content, antioxidant and antibacterial potential of Gnetum gnemon L. cone extract

Plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising sources of medicinal uses. Herbal medicine which is mainly based on region-specific knowledge and skills has been employed in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. Gnetum gnemon, an important medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia holds a significant therapeutic value in traditional Indian medicine. This research focuses on the less-explored cone extract of G. gnemon in Assam (India), shedding light on its metabolite content, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. The analysis reveals significant phenol and flavonoid content in the G. gnemon cone extract demonstrating moderate antimicrobial activity along with DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging effect. Further exploration using GC-MS analysis identifies compounds like Pentatriacontane, Pentacosane, Gamma sitosterol, gamma.-Tocopherol, Vitamin E, Campesterol, and Stigmasterol, known for their anti-corrosive, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The plant is culturally significant among tribes in Northeast India, where fresh leaves of G. gnemon are employed for various medicinal purposes, including malarial treatment. This study addresses the paucity of phytochemical data through investigations into G. gnemon cone extracts in Northeast India. This brief report contributes to a deeper understanding of the medicinal potential and paving the way for novel therapeutic applications in traditional and complementary medicine systems and the pharmaceutical industry.