Impact of extraction methods on quality of oils and extracts from Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seeds, a natural therapeutics against oral pathogens

The present study investigated the influence of conventional and supercritical fluid extraction method on the yield, chemical profiles and antimicrobial activity of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seeds essential oil (EO), supercritical fluid extracted oil (SCFE), hydromethanolic extract (HME), and hexane extract (HE). To optimize phytometabolites in oils and extracts, a robust GC–MS/MS method was developed and validated through experiments that demonstrated strong accuracy and reliability. As per the GC–MS/MS results, EO contained the maximum number of volatile components, predominantly comprising the monoterpene hydrocarbon, sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, monoterpenoids, and phenylpropanoid classes, whereas the SCFE oil from Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seeds comprised a notably higher fatty acid content (50.64%). Additionally, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of the oils and extracts were assessed against oral pathogens ( Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans ) using broth micro-dilution and Gram staining methods. These findings demonstrate that the oils and extracts exhibited dose-dependent antimicrobial activity at both minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC 50 ). Therefore, present study emphasizes the influence and applicability of green and conventional extraction techniques on quality of extractives obtained from Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seeds.