Phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts from the leaves, bark and seeds of Carapa procera (Meliaceae)

Carapa procera (Meliaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. This widespread use has sparked scientific interest in studying its active principles and their therapeutic potential, particularly as phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial agents in the treatment of microbial infections and other ailments. The current study explored the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as phytochemical constituents of leaves, bark, and seeds of Carapa procera (Meliaceae). Secondary metabolites were detected using standard procedures such as precipitation or staining reactions. The antioxidant effect was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) radical scavenging. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis) and one fungus (Candida krusei) by using the disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Methanolic extracts of each part of C. procera showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was noted for all extracts; however, leaves show the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 2.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL. Moreover, the best antimicrobial effect was observed for seeds against Escherichia coli with a MIC value of 3.75 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of C. procera, particularly its leaves, as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, supporting its traditional medicinal use.