Bioactive Potential Of Myrica Esculenta Bark Extracts: A Multi-Assay Investigation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/zvbjpc81Keywords:
Myrica esculenta, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, anticancer activityAbstract
Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. Ex D. Don, a Himalayan medicinal shrub, is also known for its diverse phytopharmacological properties. The study aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer activities, and phytochemical composition of sequential bark portions (acetone, ethanol, and water) of M. esculenta. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed phenolics and flavonoids present in all extracts, with the water extract showing the highest concentrations. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) indicated the radical scavenging and reducing power activity, particularly in the aqueous extract. Antibacterial screening revealed solvent-dependent efficacy, with acetone fractions being most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and aqueous fractions against Staphylococcus aureus. Cytotoxicity assays using HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines demonstrated strong anticancer activity, particularly in ethanolic fractions MEEF2 and MEEF3. MEEF2 showed the lowest IC₅₀ values (249.2 µg/ml for HeLa as well as 244.3 µg/ml for MCF-7), highlighting extract's therapeutic potential. The findings support the conventional use of M. esculenta and suggest its promise as a genesis of natural bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications.