Comparative study of phytochemical content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of <i>Merremia hirta</i> Merr. mature plant and microgreen

<i>Merremia hirta</i> Merr. is a plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, commonly used as a vegetable in Southeast Asia. The plant harbours diverse bioactive constituents, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Microgreens have gained popularity as a cultivation trend. They are referred to as superfoods due to their high bioactive content, which is estimated to be up to 10 times greater than mature plants. <i>M. hirta</i> Merr. microgreen and mature plant were investigated to determine their total phenol content using the Folin Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content using AlCl₃, antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power, and anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation inhibition <i>in vitro</i>. Microgreen demonstrated greater total phenolic content, directly associated with its high antioxidant activity compared to mature plants. However, the mature stage of <i>M. hirta</i> Merr. remains superior in terms of overall flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activity.