GC-MS MEDIATED PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY SCREENING OF VALERIANA JATAMANSI JONES. FROM THE KASHMIR HIMALAYA

Abstract

Background: Valeriana jatamansi, an important medicinal plant native to the Himalayan region, is valued for its diverse therapeutic applications. However, comprehensive characterization of its phytochemical composition and systematic evaluation of its biological activities remain essential for establishing its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. Material methods: The present study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of the methanolic rhizome extract of Valeriana jatamansi. Rhizomes were extracted using methanol, and the extraction yield was determined, followed by preliminary phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis by determining the zones of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The methanolic extract exhibited an extraction yield of 41.20% and showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, and tannins. GC–MS analysis identified 57 compounds, collectively accounting for 91.84% of the total chromatographic peak area, with a predominance of sesquiterpenoid-related constituents. Epicurzerenone was the major constituent (18.67%), followed by eucalyptol (10.76%), levulinic acid (6.12%), khusimone (5.64%), and camphor (5.24%). The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Among the tested bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest susceptibility, with MIC and MBC values of 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The study provides an integrated chemical and biological assessment of Valeriana jatamansi rhizome extract, demonstrating its sesquiterpenoid-rich composition alongside promising in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These findings highlight the potential of Valeriana jatamansi as a source of bioactive phytochemicals and provide a basis for further investigation. Future studies should focus on the isolation and structural characterization of individual constituents, evaluation of their specific bioactivities, and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms to better understand their contributions to the observed effects and assess their potential applications.