Comparative GC–MS Phytochemical Profiling of Ficus Capensis Leaves and Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Stem Bark Reveals Bioactive Metabolites with Potential Relevance to Diabetic Foot Infections

Abstract

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) remain difficult to manage due to persistent wounds and antimicrobial resistance, necessitating the exploration of new, chemically defined antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the chemical composition of leaf and stem bark extracts from Ficus capensis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, both of which are known for their antibacterial properties. Leaf and stem bark extracts of F. capensis and E. camaldulensis, respectively, were prepared and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Chromatograms were assessed for retention time and peak area. Compounds were annotated, classified by chemical type, and their biological activities evaluated using published literature. GC–MS analyses revealed 21 metabolites in F. capensis and 19 in E. camaldulensis. F. capensis exhibited a broad chemical diversity, with key compounds including 3-pyrazolin-5-one and lipid derivatives, while E. camaldulensis was characterised by the presence of diisooctyl phthalate and related metabolite. Several identified compounds have established antimicrobial, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory properties, indicating their potential for further investigation. The distinct chemical profiles of both extracts suggest varied mechanisms of bioactivity. Although this research does not establish specific antibacterial effects or confirm the endogenous sources of the metabolites, it lays the groundwork for subsequent quantitative analysis, structural characterisation, bioassay-guided fractionation, and targeted antibacterial testing against pathogens associated with DFIs.