A comprehensive study on chemical and biological profiles of Zygophyllum indicum (Burm.f.) Christenh. & Byng.

This study aimed to determine the chemical and biological composition of Zygophyllum indicum (Burm.f.) Christenh. & Byng. Phenolic compounds were analysed via HPLC-PDA, essential oils/volatiles using GC-MS, and fatty acid profiling through GC-FID. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay, while antibacterial screening was performed by evaluating the inhibition capability of the extract against four organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Six phenolic compounds were detected, i.e. vanillin being the dominant one. A total of 52 volatile compounds were identified in the plant's essential oil, and 13 fatty acids were detected via GC-FID, with unsaturated fatty acids present in higher concentrations. The ethanol extract exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. These findings highlight Z. indicum as a valuable natural source of nutritionally significant compounds and antioxidants. Additionally, the data provide useful insights for industries that utilise this medicinal plant as raw material for therapeutic formulations.