Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 117-125 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 120 4 Bioactive Compounds inMarsilea quadrifolia 4.1 Identification of key bioactive compounds Marsilea quadrifolia is a rich source of various bioactive compounds, which contribute to its medicinal properties. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis has identified quercetin and its derivatives as major constituents in the chloroform extract of M. quadrifolia (Subramanian et al., 2023). Additionally, several new polyphenols, including kaempferol derivatives and other known compounds, have been isolated from the ethanol extract of the plant (Zhang et al., 2016). Another significant compound identified is 1-Triacontanol cerotate (1TAC), which was isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of the methanolic extract (Snehunsu et al., 2015). The hydroalcoholic extract of M. quadrifolia has also been found to contain a high total phenolic content, which is likely responsible for its therapeutic effects (Bhanukiran et al., 2023). 4.2 Mechanisms of action The bioactive compounds in M. quadrifolia exhibit various mechanisms of action that contribute to its medicinal properties. Quercetin, a major constituent, has shown strong antioxidant activities in both in vitro and in vivo assays, significantly attenuating oxidative stress markers in a restraint-induced oxidative stress model in mice (Zhang et al., 2016). The neuroprotective effects of quercetin and its derivatives are attributed to their ability to bind effectively to protein targets, such as the NMDA receptor, thereby exhibiting NMDA antagonistic properties (Subramanian et al, 2023). 1-Triacontanol cerotate (1TAC) has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxidative damage in the brain, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, by normalizing malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in chronic epileptic rats (Snehunsu et al., 2015). The hydroalcoholic extract of M. quadrifolia has shown significant antidiabetic potential by reducing blood glucose levels and improving biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, likely due to its high phenolic content (Bhanukiran et al., 2023). 4.3 Potential therapeutic applications The diverse bioactive compounds in M. quadrifolia offer a wide range of therapeutic applications. The neuroprotective properties of quercetin and its derivatives make M. quadrifolia a potential candidate for the treatment of neurological disorders, such as excitotoxicity-induced neuronal damage (Subramanian et al, 2023). The strong antioxidant activities of the polyphenols, particularly quercetin, suggest that M. quadrifolia could be developed into products for relieving oxidative stress (Zhang et al., 2016). The antiepileptic properties of 1-Triacontanol cerotate (1TAC) highlight its potential use in managing epilepsy and related disorders by minimizing oxidative damage in the brain (Snehunsu et al., 2015). The antidiabetic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of M. quadrifolia validate its traditional use in treating diabetes, offering a natural alternative for managing blood glucose levels and improving overall metabolic health (Bhanukiran et al., 2023). Additionally, the plant's anticonvulsant effects, as demonstrated in behavioral and EEG studies, further support its use in traditional medicine for epilepsy (Sahu et al., 2012). The bioactive compounds in Marsilea quadrifolia exhibit significant antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiepileptic, and antidiabetic properties, making it a valuable medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic applications. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize the use of these compounds in clinical settings. 5 Traditional Uses of Marsilea quadrifolia 5.1 Historical usage in traditional medicine Marsilea quadrifolia (MQ) has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. In Indian traditional medicine, MQ has been employed for its sedative and antiepileptic properties (Sahu et al., 2012). The plant has also been used to treat insomnia and various neurological disorders, highlighting its significance in ethnopharmacology (Li et al., 2002; Snehunsu et al., 2015). The diverse chemical composition of MQ, including phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, contributes to its wide range of therapeutic benefits (Subramanian et al., 2023).
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