A rise of drug-resistant pathogens, equipped with ever-evolving resistance mechanisms, threatens our capacity to cure common illnesses. Multi- and pan-resistant bacteria, often referred to as ‘superbugs,’ are rapidly spreading worldwide and current antibiotics cannot treat the infections evoked by them. Emerging antimicrobials are not in the pipeline yet (Salam et al., 2023). Moreover, the shortage of high-quality antimicrobials continues to be a significant concern. Shortages of antibiotics and antifungal drugs impact the development of countries, particularly considering their health care sector. Even with the impressive progress in modern medicine, more than 85% of individuals in developing nations continue to depend on traditional remedies. Moreover, individuals in developed nations are showing a growing interest in alternative and complementary medicine (Mohanta et al., 2023). Hence, it is critical to search for new lead molecules by using indigenous knowledge and technology which are a true force behind the development of new formulations for a wide range of diseases. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis is expected to result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if it is not addressed, so the international health community is desperately looking for sustainable, plant-based therapeutic solutions (Murray et al., 2022). Natural products made from plants, particularly essential oils (EOs), have shown great promise as substitutes because of their wide range of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (Alfatemi et al., 2015). In addition to their efficacy against multi-resistant pathogens, essential oils support international efforts to find low-toxicity, environmentally friendly solutions for contemporary health issues (Elshafie and Camele, 2017).

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with the development of several chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and digestive disorders (Begum and Lakshmanan, 2023). Antioxidants, which can originate from within the body or be taken as supplements, carefully control the levels of ROS under normal conditions. When individuals lack antioxidants and proper nutrition, they become more susceptible to the oxidative stress, which can raise the likelihood of cancer. Moreover, the antioxidant defence may become overburdened in the case of prolonged inflammation, such as aging, neurological illnesses, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease (Ramasubramanian et al., 2022, Verma et al., 2023). Some antioxidant vitamins, like vitamin-D, play a crucial role in controlling biochemical pathways that support the optimal operation of organs. The research has demonstrated that the antioxidant supplementation can help in reducing the oxidative damage by preventing the antioxidant depletion. The rising resistance of microbes to antibiotics, as well as the rise in chronic and degenerative human diseases due to ROS have led to the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds with a unique mode of mechanisms. These compounds can help to combat pathogenic microbes and act as natural antioxidants to shield the body from the oxidative stress and free radical-induced harm. The use of potential medicinal plants requires precise scientific knowledge and a comprehension of their chemical components. The properties of the medicinal plants are determined by the chemical compounds they contain (Mohanta et al., 2020, Kumar et al., 2024). These plants are crucial in developing alternative medications that avoid the negative impacts of artificial drugs (Najmi et al., 2022). Scientific reports indicate that herbs contribute to approximately 25% of prescribed medications globally. Within the traditional knowledge system, plants are always in the forefront, contributing to the health and nutrition, and ultimately providing unique compounds or molecules, which are served as elixirs of life (Balasubramanian et al., 2022). Recently, the United Nations has also emphasised plant diversity for the development of sustainable food and medicines. Through the Sustainable Development Goals, the globe extensive research and innovative start-ups come up to cater the health and nutraceutical industry.

Approximately 200 species of Cleome belong to the Capparidaceae family, many of which have established traditional medical applications. The analgesic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of species like C. arabica L., C. viscosa L., C. droserifolia (Forssk.), C. rutidosperma DC., and C. gynandra L. have historically been utilised (Muhaidat et al., 2015). Cleome species have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani systems to treat wounds, skin infections, fever, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal disorders (Singh et al., 2015). For instance, Cleome viscosa leaves and seeds are used as a poultice to relieve joint pain and heal wounds, while Cleome gynandra is traditionally eaten as a vegetable with therapeutic properties, especially in Asia and Africa (Moyo and Aremu, 2022). Vitamins (A & C) are among the substances found in the Cleome, along with coumarino-lignans, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, gallotannins, saponins, iridoids, and hexacosanols. The chemical composition and pharmacological effects of many Cleome species have been investigated. Thus, Cleome species' ethnobotanical significance and new pharmacological information demonstrate their potential as natural treatments for a range of microbial, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases (Moghaddam et al., 2021).

Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant characteristics of C. coluteoides essential oils are poorly understood, and no studies have been done on other interesting characteristics like antiproliferative, anti-arthritic, xanthine oxidase, or enzyme inhibition. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical composition and multipurpose biological potential of essential oils from C. coluteoides. These results may aid in the global search for new plant-based bioactive substances, particularly those targeting chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and multidrug resistance. By addressing these gaps, this study advances both traditional knowledge and modern scientific theories of sustainable healthcare.