Phytochemical Insights and Medicinal Potential of Cordia macleodii

Abstract

Cordia macleodii Hook. (Boraginaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa, known locally as Panki/Shikari. This comprehensive study investigates the phytochemical composition and medicinal properties of this folklore plant. The research employed standard qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening methods, antimicrobial assays, and antioxidant activity evaluations. Phytochemical analysis revealed significant presence of flavonoids (12.4±0.8 mg/g), alkaloids (8.7±0.6 mg/g), terpenoids (15.2±1.2 mg/g), phenols (18.6±1.4 mg/g), and steroids (6.3±0.4 mg/g). The plant exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 156.2±12.4 μg/mL for DPPH scavenging. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated significant inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (18.4±1.2 mm), Escherichia coli (16.8±0.9 mm), and Candida albicans (14.2±0.8 mm). Hepatoprotective studies showed 78.3±4.2% protection against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. The findings validate the traditional use of C. macleodii and establish its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for wound healing, hepatoprotection, and antimicrobial applications. This research provides scientific evidence for the pharmaceutical exploitation of this valuable ethnomedicinal plant species.