Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Bacterial Analysis of Hyptis Suaveolens L. (Bush Mint) against Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas vesicatoria, and X. gardneri Affecting Tomato Fruits

Abstract

Hyptis suaveolens L. (Bush Mint) is a widely distributed medicinal plant known for its diverse bioactive compounds, traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antibacterial potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of H. suaveolens against three phytopathogenic bacteria: Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas vesicatoria, and Xanthomonas gardneri, which are major causative agents of tomato fruit diseases. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard techniques and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the active compounds in the extracts. The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols, with ethanol extracts demonstrating higher concentrations. GC-MS analysis further identified a range of bioactive compounds such as eucalyptol, caryophyllene, and phytol, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results indicated that the ethanolic extract exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy, presenting larger zones of inhibition, particularly against R. solanacearum, followed by X. vesicatoria and X. gardneri. The findings of this study demonstrate the significant antibacterial potential of H. suaveolens, particularly in its ethanolic extract, attributed to the presence of potent phytochemicals. This highlights the potential application of H. suaveolens as a natural antibacterial agent for the management of bacterial diseases in tomato cultivation. Further research is recommended to isolate and characterize the most active compounds and explore their mechanisms of action. The study supports the potential application of H. suaveolens as

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