GC-MS Profiles, Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of Mucuna pruriens Seed Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

Abstract

Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus are pathogenic bacteria commonly implicated in gastrointestinal infection (GI). Severe GI can lead to some gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and chronic inflammation. While antibiotic therapy remains the standard treatment, the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) cases necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) and to identify its bioactive compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antibacterial activity was assessed against E. coli and B. cereus using the disc diffusion method. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory activity was measured by the red blood cell membrane stabilization method at extract concentrations of 15, 60, 250, and 1000 ppm. Antibacterial effectiveness was determined by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones, while anti-inflammatory potential was quantified through stability percentages. The results showed that the velvet bean’s ethanolic extract had antibacterial activity against both bacteria, with the strongest inhibition observed at 100% extract concentration, producing inhibition zones of 9.2 mm on E. coli and 7.15 mm on B. cereus. For the anti-inflammatory assay, the 1000 ppm extract demonstrated the highest stability value (76.36%), nearly equivalent to the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen (76.35% at 120 ppm), as a positive control. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 18 bioactive compounds in the velvet bean extract, classified into nine chemical groups, which are mostly known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential. These findings highlight the potential of M. pruriens to address gastrointestinal infections, particularly those caused by E. coli and B. cereus, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect. This also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially to encourage good health in the community through utilizing local resources for herbal-based treatment.