Unveiling the Allelopathic Potential of Cornulaca Monacantha Del.: Phytochemical Profiling and Bioherbicidal Activity Against Chenopodium Murale

Abstract

This study investigates the herbicidal potential of Cornulaca monacantha Del., a halophytic plant, against the weed Chenopodium murale, alongside comprehensive phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity evaluation. Methanolic extracts of C. monacantha were subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis, revealing high concentrations of total phenolics (46.3 mg GAE /g DE) and flavonoids (44.15 mg QE /g DE), with significantly lower alkaloid content (7.38 mg NE/g DE). LC-MS analysis identified p-Coumaric acid as the predominant compound (91.32%) in the 20% methanol fraction, with its relative abundance decreasing as methanol concentration increased. Bioherbicide assays demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with the crude extract and 20% methanol fraction achieving complete (100%) inhibition of C. murale, comparable to a commercial synthetic herbicide. The extract also exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 10.498 mg/mL) in the DPPH assay, though less potent than ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.265 mg/mL). These findings strongly correlate the phytotoxic activity of C. monacantha with its high phenolic content, particularly p-Coumaric acid. The study concludes that C. monacantha represents a promising source of natural herbicides, warranting further investigation into the isolation of active compounds and field-scale validation for integrated weed management strategies.