Profiling bioactive compounds of Pogostemon benghalensis (Burm.f.) Kuntze and its antibacterial activity

The family Lamiaceae consist of high valued medicinal plants is one of the greatest economic sources in the world. Pogostemon benghalensis (Burm. f.) Kuntze is an aromatic undershrub belonging to Lamiaceae. In the present study, ethyl acetate extracts of leaves were subjected to qualitative analysis, FTIR, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, reducing sugar, sugar, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins. The FTIR spectrum showed various functional groups such as (alkanes, carboxylic acid, aromatic amines, and aldehyde-saturated aliphatic groups). The ethyl acetate extract of leaves showed remarkable antibacterial activity with 80 µg/ml concentration against the highest activity of Klebsiella aerogenes and Enterococcus faecalis at 15 mm. The GC–MS analysis identified 55 components, with the highest peak area (8.52%) belonging to n -hexadecenoic acid. The phytoconstituents in this plant have therefore been discovered to have a high therapeutic value and can be studied for further research. Future research and further pharmacological investigation appear to have a huge potential and scope for P. benghalensis . Graphical abstract