Phytochemicals screening, antimicrobial activities and statistical validation of bioactive compounds of Morella rubra Sieb.et Zucc

Morella rubra Sieb.et Zucc. belongs to the family Myricaceae, and is taxonomically close to the genus Myrica. It has several traditional, medicinal, and food values. In this study, the phytochemical components and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of M. rubra leaf extract were investigated. Leaves of M. rubra were collected from Nuwakot, Bagmati Province, Nepal, and its phytochemical constituents were determined from methanolic extracts. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of leaves were quantified using a spectrophotometer, antioxidant activity was assessed as scavenging rate of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, and the antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed by agar-well diffusion method. Simultaneously, central composite design method was applied for optimizing the extraction protocol. The phytochemical screening in methanol leaf extracts of M. rubra revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenols. The TPC and TFC were measured to be 159.95 ± 0.91µgGAE/mL and 54.43 ± 0.67µgQ/mL respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was 88.13 ± 0.54 as compared to that of ascorbic acid. A remarkable antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) was noted at the range of 8.16 ± 0.33 mm to 9.52 ± 0.16 mm at maximum concentration of 100 µg/mL. This study confirmed M. rubra as a source of antioxidant-rich food and medicinal product with significant economic importance in healthcare prospects. Further investigation of this species is required to uncover more bioactive compounds and potential pharmacological applications.