Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 162-170 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 163 in current knowledge and suggesting areas for further exploration to fully uncover the therapeutic potential of this versatile plant. 2 Phytochemical Properties of Hydrocotyle vulgaris 2.1 Identification of key phytochemicals Hydrocotyle vulgaris has been found to contain a variety of phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Notably, the plant exhibits an abundant presence of flavonoids and alkaloids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is a trace presence of tannins, which have astringent properties and can contribute to the plant's overall medicinal value (He et al., 2023). 2.2 Methods used for phytochemical analysis The identification and analysis of phytochemicals in Hydrocotyle vulgaris have been conducted using several advanced techniques. UV-vis spectroscopy has been employed to evaluate the scavenging activity and antioxidant properties of the plant. This method is effective in determining the absorbance of free radicals, thereby providing insights into the plant's antioxidant capacity (Li et al., 2019). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has been utilized for the precise identification and quantification of essential vitamins and other phytochemicals. HPLC is particularly useful for separating and identifying compounds in complex mixtures, making it an ideal choice for phytochemical analysis. 2.3 Quantitative analysis of essential vitamins Quantitative analysis of Hydrocotyle vulgaris has revealed the presence of several essential vitamins that contribute to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. The plant contains β-carotene at a concentration of 10.4 mg/kg, which is a precursor to Vitamin A and is essential for vision and immune function. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is present at 4.08 mg/kg, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism. Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, is found at 70.2 mg/kg, while Vitamin E, another potent antioxidant, is present at 26.9 mg/kg (Cai et al., 2022). These vitamins enhance the plant's potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly in combating oxidative stress and promoting overall health. Hydrocotyle vulgaris is rich in key phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which have been identified using UV-vis spectroscopy and HPLC. The plant also contains significant amounts of essential vitamins, including β-carotene, riboflavin, and vitamins C and E, further underscoring its therapeutic potential (Ureta et al., 2018). 3 Therapeutic Potential of Hydrocotyle vulgaris 3.1 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Ureta et al. (2018) found that Hydrocotyle vulgaris is rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, exhibiting strong free radical scavenging ability and significant antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 29.75 and a total phenolic content of 158.13% (Figure 1). In addition, the plant contains β-carotene, riboflavin, vitamins C and E, demonstrating its potential as an antioxidant. Figure 1 Tested Antioxidant Activity (Total Phenolics) of the Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. (Pennywort) extracts as compared with the Phenolics in extracts of different plants (Adopted from Ureta et al., 2018)
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