Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Anticariogenic, and Biocompatibility Evaluation of Syzygium cumini- an in vitro study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent health conditions globally affecting individuals across all age groups. To minimize the dental caries, it is necessary to seek anticariogenic agents to develop effective and preventive strategies. With increasing interest in plant-based anticariogenic agents, Syzygium cumini (Jamun) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its traditional medicinal use.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition of Jamun leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticariogenic, and biocompatibility property. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves of S. cumini were shade dried for 7 days and ground coarsely and extracted with methanol at room temperature. Then it was analyzed for presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, phenol, saponins, terpenoids according to standard protocol. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical method. Zone of inhibition test with minimum inhibitory concentration was conducted for antimicrobial activity. MTT assay was performed for biocompatibility assessment. FTIR spectroscopy and UV visible spectroscopy was done to analyze functional groups and chemical compounds.

RESULTS: The methanolic extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with a concentration dependent increase reaching 49.18% at 100 µg/ml. UV Visible spectroscopy confirmed phenolics and anthocyanins, while FTIR revealed hydroxy and carbonyl groups. In antimicrobial tests, the extract produced a zone of inhibition against Streptococcus mutans and Shigella sonnei. Anti inflammatory evaluation via BSA denaturation assay showed up to 85.78% inhibition at 50 µg/ml. MTT assay confirmed high biocompatibility, and minimal cytotoxicity observed even at higher doses. UV Visible analysis showed a prominent absorption peak around 340 nm indicating phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, while FTIR confirmed functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl, suggesting the presence of flavonoids and related phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION: The study showed that Syzygium cumini leaf extract exhibits strong antioxidant activity and effective inhibition of cariogenic pathogens in a dose dependent manner. The bioactive components such as tannins, phenolics, and flavonoids, may be responsible for the therapeutic potential. These findings show that Syzygium cumini promise as a natural, biocompatible anticariogenic agent.