Antimicrobial Evaluation, HPTLC Fingerprint Profiling and GC–MS Analysis of the Leaves of Henckelia humboldtiana (Gardner) A. Weber & B. L. Burtt

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of leaves of the plant Henckelia humboldtiana. H. humboldtiana is a member of the Gesneriaceae family and comprises medium-sized plants belonging to the order Lamiales. Secondary metabolites are produced by plants as their response to various extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Compared to primary metabolites plants produce secondary metabolites in smaller quantities. This species is known to contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and terpenes, which contribute to its various biological and pharmacological activities. Characterization of metabolites using a single analytical technique is often inadequate. Therefore, a combination of experimental approaches and multiple instrumental platforms is required for comprehensive analysis of the phytoconstituents present in plant extracts. In this study, the methanolic and hexane leaf extracts of the plant were subjected to phytochemical analysis using chromatographic techniques such as High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Major compounds obtained from methanol extract of leaves include caryophyllene, neophytadiene, trans-cinnamic acid, neointermedeol and hexane extract of leaves include dodecane, ylangene, caryophyllene, humulene. Plant extract exhibit antimicrobial effect on diffusion method.