Grewia flava twig extracts: phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial evaluations

Abstract Background Grewia flava infusions are consumed to assist with kidney problems and stomach ailments. However, there are no scientific data on the phytochemical profile or biological properties to validate its folklore use. Thus, the study aimed to assess the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Grewia flava twig extracts. Methodology The antioxidant activities of the extracts were assayed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, reducing power, metal chelation, and total phenolic and flavonoid content assays. The agar well diffusion and microdilution methods were used for crude extracts and fractions (from 80% methanol extract) for antimicrobial screening against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, A. niger , and R. oryzae . Results The 80% methanol twig extract (250.00 ± 2 GAE/g) exhibited a high concentration of phenolic content, followed by the distilled water extract (192.00 ± 2 mg GAE/g) and the hexane extract (43.10 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g). Fraction 14 of the methanol twig extract exhibited MIC values of 0.21–0.31 mg/mL against all test microorganisms. The root and twig extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which were attributed to the extracts of bioactive phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, anthraquinones, and tannins that were detected in the extracts. Also, the root and twig non-polar extracts were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, which identified several bioactive compounds like betulin, β-amyrin, palmitic acid, lupenone, and phytol, highlighting the potential of the plant species as a botanical drug. Conclusions The study supports the traditional use of plant roots and twigs for treating various ailments, indicating their medicinal value. The twigs can be used in place of the roots to guarantee Grewia flava harvesting that is sustainable. However, a comparison of the quantities of the active compound in the twigs and roots using LC–MS is crucial.