Phytochemical profiling, and biological evaluation of Erycibe paniculata bark extract and its isolated constituents: A multitarget approach.

Erycibe paniculata (EP), a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. This study investigates its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antidiarrheal efficacy using in vitro and in vivo models. A 70% hydroethanolic bark extract was analyzed by FTIR, GC-MS, and UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS to identify functional groups and major compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and antibiofilm potential of chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid two major constituents were evaluated against multidrug-resistant S. aureus and E. coli. An in vivo antidiarrheal study was conducted in castor oil-induced Wistar rats treated with the EP extract. GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS identified multiple bioactives, with chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid as predominant compounds, confirmed by HPLC quantification. The crude extract showed superior antioxidant activity. Both the extract and its major compounds exhibited significant antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against S. aureus and E. coli. In vivo, the extract significantly reduced diarrheal frequency and intestinal motility. The hydroethanolic bark extract of Erycibe paniculata Roxb. Demonstrates potent antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antidiarrheal activities, primarily attributed to chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid. These findings provide a scientific basis for its traditional use in managing diarrhea through combined antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gut motility-modulating effects.