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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Identification of antibacterial compounds in Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. against Staphylococcus aureus

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9112
Submitted
26 April 2025
Published
19-03-2026

Abstract

The leaves of Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. are known to have medicinal properties, including antibacterial activity. Among the bacteria of concern, Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant challenge due to its frequent resistance to antibiotics. This study was driven by the growing urgency to address the resistance of bacteria through the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents derived from natural products such as D. trifasciata. The objectives were to identify the active compounds with antibacterial activity in the potential extracts, fractions and isolates of D. trifasciata against S. aureus and observe the structural changes in bacterial cells after exposure to the leaf fractions of the plant. Compound identification was performed using Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), while compound separation was conducted through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and preparative TLC. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the effects of fraction treatment on bacterial cells. The disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial testing, with inhibition zone parameters. The results showed that the leaf extract of D. trifasciata exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, as evidenced by significant inhibition zones and SEM-based detection of structural damage to bacterial cells. Identified active compounds included hexamethylenetetramine, reserpine, (2E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]acrylamide, 2-[(3S)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbonitrile, palmitic acid, adenosine, acridine-9(10H)-thione, galaxolidone and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Antibacterial research on D. trifasciata was carried out from crude extract to separate fractions using the bioassay test principle and showed the potential of this plant as a natural antibacterial source.

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