Antimicrobial activity, isolation and characterization of bioactive principles from Momordical Balsamina L. leaves extract

InformationThis study took a closer look at the leaves of Momordica balsamina, a plant long valued in African folk medicine.The leaves were extracted using methanol and a gentle cold maceration method.Then, it was analyzed for its chemical composition and carefully separated into different fractions: n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol.The extracts were tested against common pathogens like E. coli, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans.The results were found to be promising, with better inhibition of E. coli and S. pyogenes at 12.5 μg/mL present in the n-hexane fraction.The MBC result shows the crude extract and the n-hexane fraction being bactericidal against E. coli and S. pyogenes at 1.25 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL, the phytochemical analysis revealed a variety of beneficial compounds, including carbohydrates, steroids, and flavonoids, while noting that anthraquinone was absent.The extract and its n-hexane fraction showed effectiveness against E. coli and S. pyogenes, but had only a minimal impact on P. aeruginosa and no significant antifungal effects.Interestingly, the research led to the isolation of two compounds-dodec-1-ane (C10H21 CH=CH2) and trilinolein glyceride (C57H98O6)-for the first time from M. balsamina leaves.Overall, these findings reinforce the plant's traditional use in treating infections and suggest it could be a valuable source for developing new antimicrobial treatments.