Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity, and Caenorhabditis elegans bioassays of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl leaf extracts.

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl leaves are explored as sustainable source of bioactive extracts and was evaluated for different in vitro and biological functionalities (i.e. toxicity, chemotaxis, and ROS modulation) in that is, Caenorhabditis elegans. Phytochemical profiling was done by estimating total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and HPTLC finger printing. Antioxidant activity was assessed via hydroxyl and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Ethyl acetate extract (CEA) exhibited the highest phenolic content, while acetone extract (CA) contained the highest amounts of flavonoids among all fractions. In vivo assays revealed dose-dependent effects: ethanol extract (CE) reduced ROS most effectively (∼0.2-fold at 150 μg/mL), while CEA and CA also displayed antioxidant activity (∼0.55-0.7-fold) were as hexane extract (CH), conversely, elevated ROS levels (1.15-1.25-fold), suggesting pro-oxidant behaviour. Chemotaxis analysis indicated strong chemoattraction for CEA and CA, whereas CH elicited weaker responses. Interestingly acetone extract (CA) demonstrated anthelmintic activity as it was toxic to C. elegans as compared to other fractions.