Volume 15, Issue 1: 2025 - Article 174

Abstract
The challenges of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture and the health sector are a concern. Consumers’ preference for organic preservatives and additives vis-a-vis safety and wellness is also on the increase. There is therefore a need to develop alternatives of biological origin. In the present study, Cynodon dactylon (CA), also known as Bermuda grass, was analyzed for its phytochemical constituents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The CA used for the study was collected, dried and mechanically blended to a dry powder, and afterwards extracted using distilled water. The resulting aqueous extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis following standard HPLC technique. Results showed that the Cynodon dactylon aqueous extract (CDAE) is composed of various bioactive molecules, including naringin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, rutin hydrate, ferullic acid, kaempferol (flavonoids, alkaloids) salicylic acid (phenolics), maleic acid (organic acid), cholesterol (sterol), saponins, phenolics, and tannins. Naringin has the highest concentration of 767.48 mg/g. The concentration of some others were: gallic acid – 144.72 mg/g, salicylic acid – 160.22mg/g, maleic acid – 175.79mg/g, saponin – 4.20mg/g, and cholesterol – 0.53 mg/g. The varied quantitative presence in the aqueous extract of these bioactive molecules indicates that CA is a promising alternative to the use of synthetic chemical preservatives. Also, it suggests that CA can be incorporated as additive and preservative against spoilage organisms in the food industry, bio-pesticide in the agricultural sector, and as a supplement in the pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Cynodon dactylon; Bermuda grass; Aqueous extract; Phytochemical analysis; High performance liquid chromatography.

How to cite this article:
Adeniyi BM, Echendu AM, Badmos FO, Ariyo DO, Ahmed T, Okunlade AF, Ikeorah NN, Olawuni FA and Atanda SA (2025). Phytochemical profile of Cynodon dactylon L., evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography: potential as antimicrobial, preservative and additive agent. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 15(1): 893 – 902.

*Correspondence: E-mail:     adamilolamary78@gmail.com      Phone: +2348063058745

Phytochemical profile of Cynodon dactylon L., evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography: potential as antimicrobial, preservative and additive agent

Boluwaji M. Adeniyi, Adebukola M. Echendu, Fatimah O. Badmos, Damilola O. Ariyo *, Tawakalitu Ahmed, Adijat F. Okunlade, Nkem N. Ikeorah, Folajinmi A. Olawuni and Saburi A. Atanda

Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

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