Phytochemical analysis, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Alstonia scholaris from Mizoram, India

Lalngaihmanawmi; Pawi Bawitlung Lalthanpuii; Lalbiakngheti Tlau; Lucy Lalawmpuii; Lalnundanga; Kholhring Lalchhandama

doi:10.14719/pst.2826

Authors

Lalngaihmanawmi Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4532-7706
Pawi Bawitlung Lalthanpuii Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2514-3553
Lalbiakngheti Tlau Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9706-2416
Lucy Lalawmpuii Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0305-042X
Lalnundanga Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5317-8852
Kholhring Lalchhandama Pachhunga University College, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9135-2703

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.2826

Keywords:

Alstonia scholaris, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, medicinal plant

Abstract

The Devil’s tree (Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.), a member of the Apocynaceae family, is recognised in various traditional systems for its efficacy in treating several diseases. In the Mizo traditional medicines of India, the bark extract is utilised as a remedy for bacterial and parasitic infections, among other ailments. To validate the therapeutic claim of the Mizo people, a methanolic extract of the bark was prepared and its chemical composition was analysed. The extract was found to contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, and reducing sugars. The antioxidant components of the extract were quantified, revealing a phenolic content of 13.563±0.09 mg/g quercetin equivalent, a flavonoid content of 31.64±2.50 mg/g gallic acid equivalent, and a total antioxidant of 10.48±0.84 mg/g ascorbic equivalent. These findings underscore the plant’s cellular protective capacity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picryldrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The plant extract exhibited significant antioxidant properties, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 11.01 against free radicals generated from the DPPH reaction. Notably, the extract demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, as well as Gram-positive species such as Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. This study establishes A. scholaris as a medicinal plant with promising antimicrobial and pharmacological properties, containing chemical components that can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.

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