Phytochemical Profile and Antibacterial Photodynamic Activity of Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae), Citrus grandis L. (Rutaceae) and Zanthoxylum gilletii De Wild. (Rutaceae) Leaves Extracts

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile of Centella asiatica, Citrus grandis and Zanthoxylum gilletii leaves, in solution and the thin layer chromatography chemical screening and to evaluate the antibacterial photodynamic activity of the species extracts.

Materials and Methods: The search of the secondary metabolites in solution and by thin layer chromatography, the alkaloids and polyphenols extraction were carried out using standard protocols.

The antibacterial photodynamic activity was performed using microdilution method in solution and solid culture media.

Results: Centella asiatica and Citrus grandis showed the same phytochemical profile, with the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids and polyphenols such as: flavonoids, free quinones, anthocyanins, leuco-anthocyanins and tannins. Zanthoxylum gilletii extract showed similar profile with the absence of anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins. The polyphenolic extracts of both Centella asiatica and Citrus grandis leaves were active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after one and two hours of solar exposition, respectively. Whereas for Zanthoxylum gilletii extract, one hour was sufficient to completely destroy both bacterial strains.

Conclusion: Polyphenolic extracts from Centella asiatica, Citrus grandis and Zanthoxylum gilletii leaves showed a photodynamic effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.