Phytochemical characterization and antibacterial evaluation of Dinebra chinensis (L.) P. M. Peterson & N. Snow

The present study investigated the secondary metabolites and antibacterial activity of Dinebra chinensis, an underutilized fodder grass. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of n-hexane, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts revealed the consistent presence of tannins and reducing sugars, whereas saponins and flavonoids were detected exclusively in the aqueous extract and alkaloids in the ethanolic extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays against Escherichia coli demonstrated growth inhibition of hydroethanolic extract. These findings highlight D. chinensis as a promising candidate for ethnoveterinary applications and natural antimicrobial development, supporting its integration into sustainable livestock health management and grassland biodiversity conservation strategies.