What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to provide a comprehensive pharmacognostical characterization and bioactive profiling of Coccinia indica.

June 12, 2026

Pharmacognostical Characterization, Bioactive Profiling, and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antifungal Evaluation of Coccinia indica (Wight and Arn.)

Key Points

The study aims to provide a comprehensive pharmacognostical characterization and bioactive profiling of Coccinia indica.
Evaluated macroscopic, microscopic, and powder microscopic attributes of plant parts.
Conducted phytochemical screening and chromatographic profiling using HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR.
Assessed antimicrobial and antifungal activities through disc diffusion and broth dilution methods.
Ethanolic leaf extract showed the highest total phenolic (82.4 ± 3.2 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (45.6 ± 2.1 mg QE/g).
Demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 62.5 µg/mL and inhibition zone of 18.4 ± 0.6 mm.
Exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans with MIC of 62.5 µg/mL and inhibition zone of 17.6 ± 0.5 mm.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Coccinia indica (Wight total flavonoid content: 45.6 ± 2.1 mg QE/g). HPLC quantified quercetin (2.18 mg/g), kaempferol (1.43 mg/g), gallic acid (3.87 mg/g), and β-sitosterol (3.56 mg/g). GC-MS identified 34 compounds including cucurbitacin B, lupeol, and β-amyrin. The ethanolic extract demonstrated maximal antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (zone of inhibition: 18.4 ± 0.6 mm; MIC: 62.5 µg/mL) and antifungal activity against C. albicans (17.6 ± 0.5 mm; MIC: 62.5 µg/mL). Bioassay-guided fractionation yielded five characterized compounds, including a potentially novel cucurbitane-type triterpene glycoside. Conclusion: This investigation furnishes the first comprehensive pharmacognostical monograph, establishes chromatographic fingerprints for quality authentication, and provides scientifically robust validation of the ethnomedicinal antimicrobial and antifungal credentials of C. indica, thereby positioning it as a meritorious candidate for phytopharmaceutical development in the context of the escalating antimicrobial resistance crisis.

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