ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF MONOCHORIA VAGINALIS (BURM. F.) C. PRESL.: A WILD EDIBLE PLANT

In the present study, Monochoria vaginalis leaf and root extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property. Antioxidant property was estimated using 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) disodium salt(+), metal ion chelating activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, nitric oxide radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum and hydrogen peroxide assays. Among these assays, leaf ethanolic extract showed maximum radical scavenging activity in ABTS(center dot+), superoxide and hydrogen peroxide assays. Meanwhile, the leaf hot water extract showed highest inhibition of free radicals in metal ion chelating assay. Commendable antioxidant activity was also found in leaf and root while evaluating other antioxidant assays. In vivo anti-inflammatory study in M. vaginalis showed appreciable reduction in paw volume after oral administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg doses of methanolic leaf extract. Hence, the investigation in M. vaginalis clearly puts forward the immense potential of the plant as a competitive phytomedicine. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Only few studies have been reported on the health benefits of Monochoria vaginalis. The present study would be an addition to the medicinal value of this potent plant. Polyphenol present in this plant could significantly elevate healthy diet. The use of M. vaginalis against the burning sensation of body, vitiated condition of pitta, dipsia, gastropathy, hepatopathy, cough, asthma, scurvy, boils, hemorrhages, etc., and the current study of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity could reveal their actual medicinal properties. As M. vaginalis is edible, these properties will increase its value as a food supplement and could help in producing health beneficial herbal products in the future.