Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of the Leaves and Stem Bark of Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb (Myristicaceae)

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological importance of Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb. (Myristicaceae), through screening of phytochemical constituents and isolation of biomolecules, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the aqueous alcohol extracts of the stem bark and leaves of this species. Method: The phytochemical constituents were identified in the stem bark and leaves extracts of S. ochocoa using standard procedures described in the literature. Subsequently, the stem bark extract was fractionated by means of silica gel column chromatography, and the isolated biomolecule characterized through extensive spectroscopic analyses. Antimicrobial activities were determined using both disc diffusion and broth micro dilution methods against different bacteria and fungi. The free radical scavenging activity and the total phenolic content were determined using the DPPH free radical and the Folin-Ciocalteu assays respectively. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids and tannins in both parts of the plant. Coumarins and terpenoids were present only in leaves while anthocyanins, saponosides and sterols were found in stem bark. S. ochocoa stem bark and leaves extracts showed significant 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (IC50=0.169 ± 0.019 μg/ ml) and polyphenol content (153.57 ± 0.63 mg/g of extract). S. ochocoa extracts significantly inhibited microbial growth of Escherischia coli and a gentamycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. The chromatographic separation of the stem bark afforded the bioactive compound isopregomisin. Conclusion: This study showed that S. ochocoa stem bark and leaves extracts contain various phytochemicals, with important amount of phenolic compounds, and possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Isopregomisin can be considered as the antioxidant active principle of S. ochocoa.