Green Solutions With Plagiochasma appendiculatum: Nutraceutical and Pesticidal Potentials

The growing demand for safe nutraceuticals and eco-friendly pesticides has intensified the search for plant-based bioactive compounds. In this context, the present study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and pesticidal activities of Plagiochasma appendiculatum extracts, hexane (PAHE), dichloromethane (PADE), and methanol (PAME) to evaluate their therapeutic and sustainable agricultural relevance. GC-MS analysis identified hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, and β-caryophyllene as major constituents in all extracts, while heneicosane was particularly prominent in PAHE. Among the tested extracts, PAME exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, showing 90.35% DPPH radical scavenging, 86.58% metal chelating activity, and 80.56% H₂O₂ scavenging at 500 µg/mL, followed by PADE. In nematicidal assays against Meloidogyne incognita, PAME demonstrated the highest efficacy with 95.31% egg hatching inhibition and 67.49% juvenile mortality at 1000 µg/mL after 96 h. Herbicidal assays further revealed complete (100%) inhibition of seed germination, root, and shoot growth at the same concentration. Sustained bioactivity over extended exposure periods suggests prolonged pesticidal effectiveness. Overall, these findings underscore the significance of P. appendiculatum, particularly its methanol extract, as a promising natural source of antioxidant and pesticidal agents, supporting its potential development as a nutraceutical and environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.