In vitro antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of Senecio nutans Sch. Beep. (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Context: Senecio nutans Sch. Beep. is used by the Andean population of Ayacucho-Peru as traditional medicine for various health problems. Aims: To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of leaves of S. nutans against the enteropathogen Escherichia coli and the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. Methods: The antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract was evaluated by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays; the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar diffusion method, and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC), and fungicidal concentration (MFC). Results: Polyphenols, terpenes, and tannins were identified; the total polyphenolic content was 67.91 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g. The ethanolic extract at 20 mg/mL showed moderate antibacterial activity (79.14 ± 0.02% inhibition, MIC and MBC >400 μg/mL on E. coli), and antifungal (88.90 ± 0.17% inhibition, MIC and MCF >400 μg/mL on A. niger); radical scavenging capacity (ABTS 10.31 ± 0.09 mM TE/g; DPPH 8.28 ± 0.07 IC50 µg/mL) and iron reducing power (FRAP 17.72 ± 0.11 mM TE/g). S. nutans turned out to be a potential antimicrobial and antioxidant species associated with the presence of its bioactive components, for which further investigation is warranted. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of leaves S. nutans showed moderate activity against pathogenic bacteria (E. coli) and filamentous fungus (A. niger), as well as antioxidant activity in three in vitro methods.

Effect of In Vitro Micropropagation on the Chemical, Antioxidant, and Biological Characteristics of Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., an Endemic Plant of the Atacama Desert Andean Region

“…Some investigations have shown that ethanolic extracts of S. nutans have antimicrobial and antibacterial activity [ 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. These notable properties are associated with the different types of secondary metabolites present in the plant.…”

“…These notable properties are associated with the different types of secondary metabolites present in the plant. Mainly, the Senecio species are rich in antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols (phenylpropanoids, 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, 3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, chlorogenic acid methyl ester, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, tannins, and flavonoids) [ 7 , 10 ], terpenes [ 4 ], and p -hydroxyacetophenone derivates [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. p -Hydroxyacetophenone derivates are the most abundant compounds in the aerial parts of S. nutans species [ 3 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Recently, and due to these geographical characteristics, a detailed study on its chemical composition has been reported [6]. Some investigations have shown that ethanolic extracts of S. nutans have antimicrobial and antibacterial activity [4,[7][8][9]. These notable properties are associated with the different types of secondary metabolites present in the plant.…”

“…The primary objective was to develop a protocol that enables the scaled production of this native plant, thereby preventing its extinction while preserving its bio-activity. Some investigations have shown that ethanolic extracts of S. nutans have antimicrobial and antibacterial activity [4,[7][8][9]. These notable properties are associated with the different types of secondary metabolites present in the plant.…”

Compuestos polifenólicos, contenido mineral y tamizaje fitoquímico de extractos acuosos de Simira cordifolia obtenidos mediante ultrasonidos

“…El tamizaje fitoquímico, la medición del contenido de componentes polifenólicos y el contenido mineral son estudios in vitro que evalúan el potencial medicinal de las plantas y permiten el descubrimiento e identificación de nuevas moléculas de relevancia farmacológica (Surco-Laos et al, 2022) . También ayuda a promover la conservación y protección de los ecosistemas, particularmente en áreas investigadas y rara vez perturbadas, como los afloramientos de granito (Mendoza et al, 2020).…”