Phytochemical Profiling and In-Vitro Antibacterial Activity of the Selected Wild Vegetable Launaea procumbens

Wild edible plants are increasingly recognized as valuable sources of biologically active secondary metabolites. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and in-vitro antibacterial activity of the wild leafy vegetable Launaea procumbens collected from the surroundings of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. Leaf extracts were prepared using aqueous–ethanol and chloroform solvents. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to detect major classes of secondary metabolites, followed by quantitative estimation of total alkaloids and total phenolic content. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated against clinically isolated bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the agar well diffusion method. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, Saponins, glycosides and proteins in the leaf extracts. Quantitative analysis indicated appreciable levels of total alkaloids and phenolics. The extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens. The study confirms that Launaea procumbens is a promising wild vegetable with potential application as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.