Identification of bioactive compounds in Tamarindus indica L. extraction, characterization and implications for wound healing applications
N. Hemashenpagam1, Selvajeyanthi S², Theras G. Abishma3, Bavin Kumar. V3, Charan. S3, Boopathi. S3 and Mithun. S. K3
1,3Department of Microbiology Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore -641028 (India) ²Department of Microbiology, Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore - 641050 (India) Corresponding author: drhemashenpagam@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study thoroughly investigates the wound healing potential of various extracts derived from Tamarindus indica bark, commonly known as the tamarind tree, by assessing their antimicrobial efficacy using the agar well diffusion method. Recognized for its wound healing attributes, tamarind bark extract proves effective when applied topically to cuts, abscesses and wounds due to its antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the extracts, obtained using diverse solvents including ethanol, methanol, hexane, chloroform and aqueous solutions, was systematically evaluated against microorganisms isolated from infected wound samples. Extraction of the bark extract was meticulously performed using the Soxhlet method. Through rigorous employment of the agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined, revealing the antimicrobial activity across various plant extracts. Furthermore, comprehensive phytochemical analyses confirmed the presence of vital bioactive compounds in the extracts, notably emphasizing the richness of alkaloids, steroids, quinone and phenol, attributing these constituents to the robust wound healing properties observed. Separation and identification of these compounds were facilitated through column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and FTIR, HPLC analyses. Particularly, the ethanolic extract displayed substantial antimicrobial activity against a range of test organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, isolated from infected wound samples. This research underscores the prominence of flavonoids, alkaloids, quinone and phenol in Tamarindus indica bark extracts for wound healing, accentuating their potential to significantly enhance wound care and management.