This study provides the first detailed evaluation of C. erecta latex, an
uncharacterised exudate of the Apocynaceae family, focusing on its
phytochemical composition and bioactivity. HPLC analysis revealed
nine phenolic compounds, mainly sinapic acid (4876.2 µg/g), ferulic
acid (902.6 µg/g), and epicatechin (386.5 µg/g). Although the total
phenolic content was relatively low (2.27 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g), DPPH
assay indicated moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 114 µg/mL),
suggesting contributions from other bioactive constituents. Volatile
profiling via HS-SPME-GC-MS and solvent-assisted GC–MS identified
compounds such as p-cymene (14.05%), 2-hexanol (12.52%), and
kaur-16-ene (72.06%). The latex exhibited antimicrobial activity
against bacteria and yeasts, with MIC values ranging from 62.5 to
250 µg/mL, showing higher effectiveness against Acinetobacter
baumannii, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata. Overall, the
findings highlight C. erecta latex as a phenol- and terpenoid-rich
natural product with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial
potential, supporting its traditional dermatological use and future
pharmaceutical relevance.