Phytochemical Analysis and Determination of Anti-oxidant and Anti-bacterial Effects of Morinda citrifolia

Abstract

Background: Morinda citrifolia (commonly known as Noni) is a tropical medicinal plant rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds. It exhibits strong anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities, making it valuable in traditional medicine and modern therapeutic research. Its bioactive compounds play a key role in promoting health and disease prevention. Objective: This study focuses on the phytochemical profiling of Morinda citrifolia to identify its bioactive constituents. It further evaluates the anti-oxidant potential of the plant using standard assays and investigates its anti-bacterial activity against selected pathogens. Method: Fresh leaves of Morinda citrifolia were collected from Thiruvananthapuram, and the bioactive compounds were extracted using acetone. The test sample was subjected to phytochemical analysis in order to determine the physical and chemical properties of M. citrifolia. The anti-microbial activity of M. citrifolia was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the plant was evaluated through the FRAP assay. Result: The qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which are known for their therapeutic properties, while terpenoid were absent. The FRAP assay demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in anti-oxidant activity, indicating the extract’s potential as a natural anti-oxidant. Additionally, the anti-bacterial assay revealed significant inhibition of Pseudomonas and Salmonella, with the highest activity observed at 100µg/ml. Conclusion: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of M. citrifolia extract confirmed the presence of phenols, alkaloids and flavonoids, while terpenoids were absent. These findings are consistent with previous studies that highlight the presence of bioactive compounds contributing to the plant’s pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities.