Biochemical profiling, anti-biofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC. root-tuber

The root-tuber of underutilised Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC., was evaluated for its biochemical, elemental, and antimicrobial properties. It revealed a high phenolic (456.58 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoid (586.27 µg QE/mg) content, with quercetin being the most abundant compound. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling reported the presence of catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, and rutin. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence of beneficial minerals and absence of heavy metals in the root-tuber. Methanolic extracts demonstrated quorum sensing inhibition activity against Chromobacterium violaceum and significant antibiofilm inhibition activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Molecular docking analyses revealed a strong binding affinity of lectins and thaumatin-like proteins with peroxidase and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) enzymes, suggesting a mechanistic basis for their antimicrobial action. These findings support the therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of P. tetragonolobus root-tuber.