Work

Exploring the potential of essential oil from Oxalis latifolia leaves against the bacterial skin disease impetigo by in vitro and in silico approaches

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the pharmacological potential of the hydrodistilled essential oil (EOs) of Oxalis latifolia Kunth. against the bacterial skin disease impetigo. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed meaningful levels of secondary metabolites, including total phenolics (78.95 ± 4.01 GAE mg/100 mg), flavonoids (43.67 ± 3.01 QE mg/100 mg), and tannins (12.08 ± 2.81 GAE mg/100 mg). Strong antioxidant activity was observed in the DPPH • assay (78.12 ± 4.34%), ABTS •+ radical scavenging activity (82.35 ± 7.91 µM TE/g), and FRAP assay (54.42 ± 4.19 mM Fe(II)/mg). The EOs exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects across hypotonic hemolysis (74.25 ± 3.12%), heat-induced hemolysis (63.76 ± 4.08%), egg albumin denaturation (72.31 ± 5.36%), and BSA denaturation assays (79.24 ± 6.14%). The GC–MS analysis identified 31 bioactive compounds, dominated by Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- phosphite (3:1) (23.28% peak area), alongside dioxolane derivatives, isopropyl myristate, and branched alkanes. The antibacterial assays showed strong inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (19.66 ± 0.25 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes (19.24 ± 0.50 mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.44 ± 0.52 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.60 ± 0.35 mm). ADME/T analysis of 31 compounds indicated high gastrointestinal (GI) absorption, zero Lipinski violations, noncarcinogenicity, and weak hERG toxicity. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities of major phytochemicals toward impetigo-associated virulence proteins, with Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, phosphite (3:1) showing the strongest interactions (-8.9 to -10.2 kcal/mol). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of O. latifolia EOs as a natural anti-impetigo agent.

Source: South African Journal of Botany

DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.003

Authors: Arumugam Vignesh, Ibraheem Thoufeeq Ahamed, Fahad M. Aldosari, Ghadah Shukri Albakri, Krishna Kumar Yadav

Institutions: Nallamuthu Gounder Mahalingam College, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saveetha University

Language: English

Topic: Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,750