Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Typha angustifolia: A Comprehensive Study of Phytochemicals, Minerals, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20094291

Abstract

Typha angustifolia is an important aquatic macrophyte widely distributed in wetland ecosystems and known for its ecological, nutritional, and medicinal significance. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, mineral profile, proximate composition, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxic potential of T. angustifolia leaves collected from Pakistan. Comparative analyses were performed using fresh, sun-dried, oven-dried, freeze-dried, and shade-dried samples. Solvent extraction using polar and non-polar solvents revealed higher extraction yields in polar solvents, particularly distilled water (20.13%) and methanol (18.42%), indicating the dominance of polar bioactive compounds. Proximate analysis showed that freeze-dried samples retained the highest levels of proteins, fibers, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals, suggesting superior nutrient preservation under low-temperature drying conditions. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and steroids, with methanolic extracts exhibiting the highest total phenolic (86.42 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (58.36 mg QE/g), and tannin content (71.24 mg TAE/g). Mineral analysis revealed potassium as the most abundant element, followed by calcium and magnesium, with freeze-dried samples showing maximum retention. Antibacterial assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition against tested pathogens, with Staphylococcus aureus showing the highest susceptibility. Cytotoxicity evaluation indicated dose-dependent hemolytic activity against Leishmania tropica. Overall, the findings highlight the strong nutritional and pharmacological potential of T. angustifolia, supporting its possible use in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and environmental applications.