Investigating the therapeutic potential of Celosia cristata via GC-MS characterization and in silico docking

Celosia cristata, an annual shrub belonging to the family Amaranthaceae, is widely cultivated in India for its vibrant flowers. This study investigates the GC-MS profiling and antibacterial activity of Celosia cristata flower extract. Antibacterial efficacy of the extracts was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations ranging from 10–50 µL. The extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 10 –15 mm against E. coli. GC-MS analysis identified 25 major phytochemical constituents, namely Hentriacontane (19.52 %), Benzoic acid, 4-ethoxy-, ethyl ester (11.87 %), Heptacosanol (10.97 %), Cyclotetracosane (6.01 %) and Butane, 2-phenyl-3-(trimethylsilyloxy) (1.57 %). Many of these compounds are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, molecular docking studies revealed that diphenyl sulfone may have potential inhibitory activity against E. coli haemolysin E (1QOY). Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Celosia cristata in pharmaceutical applications and antimicrobial drug development.