Exploring the Bioactive Potential of Desmodium elegans: Phytochemical and Biological Insights
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.005.01.01444Keywords:
Desmodium elegans, Antimicrobial Activity, Antioxidant, Insecticidal Activity, PhytotoxicityAbstract
The biological potential of Desmodium elegans (D. elegans), roots and leaves were evaluated through various in vitro assays. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several bioactive secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenols, and tannins. The antimicrobial, phytotoxic, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities of the plant extracts were assessed using the direct contact method, agar well diffusion method, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The crude root extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting Escherichia coli (11 mm), Salmonella Typhi (6 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11 mm). In contrast, the leaf extract showed stronger inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae (14 mm) and moderate activity against E. coli (13 mm), S. Typhi (14 mm), and P. aeruginosa (14 mm). The methanolic extract of the root exhibited minimal antifungal activity, with only 5% inhibition against Aspergillus flavus and 10% against Trichoderma harzianum. The antioxidant potential of Desmodium elegans (root and leaves) was also noteworthy, with scavenging activities of 42% and 46% at 60 ppm, and 51% and 57% at 80 ppm, respectively. Phytotoxicity assays revealed the root extract exhibited 25% and 6.25% activity, while the leaf extract demonstrated 31.25% and 25% activity at concentrations of 1000 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml. Insecticidal assays revealed positive results against Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica (20%), and Callosobruchus analis (60%) at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that Desmodium elegans possesses significant bioactive potential and could serve as a valuable source of natural products for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pest control applications.
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