Abstract

Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant potential of the methanol seed extract of P. angulata. Seeds were extracted by cold maceration using 70% methanol. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive constituents. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antimicrobial activity was determined by measuring zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against selected bacterial and fungal isolates. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. MIC values were 12.5 mg/mL for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 6.25 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus; and 25 mg/mL for Candida albicans. No inhibitory activity was observed against Aspergillus spp. The extract also demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, with total flavonoid and phenolic contents of 94.90 ± 0.05 mg QE/g and 94.80 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity ranged from 60.90 ± 1.59% to 86.60 ± 0.23%, while FRAP values ranged from 87.70 ± 0.05% to 92.60 ± 0.05%. These findings indicate that P. angulata seed extract possesses significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which may be attributed to its rich phytochemical constituents. The results support the potential use of the plant as a natural source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.