Insilico studies of turmeric (curcuma longa) extract

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a key ingredient in traditional medicine and cuisine, is known for its broad pharmacological properties attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids. Although its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are well-documented in ethnomedicine, the molecular basis of these effects remains underexplored, especially in relation to foodborne pathogens. Bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern drug discovery, Method;This study employed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique to identify major phytocompounds in turmeric extract, followed by molecular docking analysis using Auto-dock and Auto-dock vina to evaluate their interactions with key bacterial targets—Staphylococcus aureus DNA gyrase and Klebsiella pneumoniae CTX-M-15 β-lactamase.  Result;GC-MS analysis revealed dominant compounds such as alpha-cubebene (10.86%), carveol (11.59%), 2-propenal (14.29%), and caryophyllene (2.73%), many of which have reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Molecular docking revealed that caryophyllene exhibited moderately strong binding affinities with both microbial proteins (-6.4 and -5.6 kcal/mol), indicating potential as a natural antibacterial agent. Palmitic acid showed lower affinities but supported secondary bioactivities. These findings support the hypothesis that turmeric’s antimicrobial efficacy is driven by synergistic interactions among multiple phytochemicals at the molecular level. This study demonstrates the relevance of integrating in silico techniques into natural product research, offering a time-efficient and cost-effective method for screening bioactive compounds. Conclusion: The result highlight turmeric's potential in antimicrobial drug development and food preservation, providing molecular evidence that complements its traditional use and supporting its inclusion in evidence-based therapeutic strategies.