Deciphering anti-Vibrio potential of Persea americana through ¹H NMR-based metabolite profiling

Vibrio infections represent a global public health threat and a major challenge to aquaculture, driving the need for sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Plant-based metabolites are promising candidates due to their safety and bioactivity. Persea americana (P. americana) Mill. (avocado) is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, and several studies have investigated its metabolite profile and antibacterial potential. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate these properties. This study aimed to profile metabolites from P. americana leaf extracted with solvents of different polarities (hexane, chloroform, acetone, and 70% (v/v) ethanol) and correlate these profiles with anti-Vibrio activity using a ¹H NMR-based metabolomics approach. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear separation among extracts based on chemical composition, with 70% (v/v) ethanol showing the highest extraction efficiency. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between polar metabolites and antibacterial activity against Vibrio spp. Metabolite assignment identified 37 compounds, including amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, many of which are associated with antimicrobial effects. These findings highlight 70% ethanolic extracts of P. americana leaf as a rich source of bioactive metabolites with potential applications in controlling vibriosis in aquaculture.