Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of an Endemic and Threatened Nutmeg Species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, with a Conservation Appraisal

Abstract: Myristica andamanica Hook.f., an endemic and vulnerable nutmeg species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was investigated for its phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, and conservation status. Methanolic leaf extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, in-vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS), antimicrobial screening, and HPLC profiling. Preliminary screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, and carbohydrates. The extract exhibited moderate total phenolic and high flavonoid contents, with IC₅₀ values of 52.36 µg/ml and 74.99 µg/ml in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. HPLC analysis identified protocatechuic acid and kaempferol as major constituents. Moderate antimicrobial activity was observed against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategies were successfully implemented. The present study revealed such phytochemical profiling and antioxidant property of M. andamanica for the first time and highlights the medicinal potential and conservation importance of.

Keywords: Myristica andamanica, Phytochemicals, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial activity, Endemic species, Conservation