Antibacterial and Phytochemical Properties of Selected Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Mising Tribe Inhabiting Forest Fringe Villages of Nameri National Park, Assam, India

Background: In recent years, an increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has resulted in a global health catastrophe. Plants are being explored for new drug discovery, particularly from ethnomedicinal plants used by indigenous communities. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties of five ethnomedicinal plants (Ficus auriculata, Ficus hispida, Amphineuron opulentum, Sarcochlamys pulcherrima, and Tetrastigma anguistifolia) used by the Mising tribe of Assam, India. Methods: The ethnomedicinal plant species were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses using various solvent extracts (methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane). Antibacterial activity was tested against bacterial pathogens (Bacillus anthracis (MCC4453), Citrobacter freundii (MCC2409), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MCC2080), Escherichia coli (MCC2412), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MCC2451), Staphylococcus aureus (MCC2408), Salmonella enterica (MCC4378), and Shigella flexneri (MCC4378) using the agar well diffusion method. The extract showing the highest antibacterial activity was further characterised by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening showed that phenolic chemicals were widely distributed throughout solvent extracts, whereas flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids showed patterns specific to species and solvents. Quantitative analyses revealed that S. pulcherrima possessed the highest total phenolic (2.55 µg/mg) and flavonoid (2.26 mg/g) contents. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the ethyl acetate extract of S. pulcherrima leaves exhibited the remarkable zones of inhibition against C. freundii, S. aureus, and S. flexneri. GC-MS analysis of this extract revealed the presence of twelve metabolites belonging to diverse chemical groups, which likely contribute to the antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: The findings highlight the significant therapeutic potential of ethnomedicinal plants used by the Mising tribe and identify S. pulcherrima as a promising candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Major Findings: Sarcochlamys pulcherrima showed the most promising antimicrobial activity among the studied plants. Further, GC-MS analysis of the plant extract showed the presence of twelve bioactive metabolites.