Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell. from Nainital, Uttarakhand

Background

Melaleuca bracteata (Genus: Melaleuca; Family: Myrtaceae) commonly known as the tea tree, is an important aromatic and medicinal plant.

Objectives

This research aims to find out the essential oil composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of M. bracteata leaves from the bhabar region of Nainital as well as to find out the essential oil’s composition of flowers of Melaleuca bracteata.

Materials and Methods

Essential oil was extracted via the hydrodistillation technique through Clevenger type apparatus. GC-MS (GCMS-QP 2010 Ultra, He: 73.3 kPa, flow: 16.3 mL/min, oven: 50–270°C) identified phytochemicals. Antioxidant assays (DPPH @495 nm, ABTS @750 nm, Hydroxyl, NO) were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 6. Antibacterial activity (0–100 µg/mL, 630 nm) was tested on B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa using Ciprofloxacin (10 µg) as control.

Results

A total of 32 compounds were identified, representing 99.95% and 99.31% of the aerial and flower oils, respectively. Methyl eugenol (90.8–77.18%) was predominant, followed by (E)-methyl cinnamate, linalool, and α terpineol. Oils showed strong antioxidants and antibacterial activity against the pathogens.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that due to its high essential oil yield, rich chemical composition, and significant biological activities, Melaleuca bracteata could be cultivated as an industrial and medicinal crop.