Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Anti-bacterial Studies of a <i>Siddha</i> Medicine: <i>Gunmakudori</i> (<i>Persicaria hydropiper</i> (L.) Delarbre) Leaves

Background: Medicines and drug precursors have been developed from medicinal plants, which have played a decisive role in global therapeutic and veterinary applications. Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine have traditionally used the Persicaria hydropiper plant for its traditional applications for gastric ailments. Even though it is praised in folklore, scientific investigations into its activities still need to be completed. Aim: Various medicinal properties of the plant, including antimicrobial, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties, can be found in its coumarin, steroids, and anthraquinones. Methods: This study meticulously evaluated P. hydropiper leaves for their physicochemical properties, phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, chemical profiling, and antimicrobial and antibacterial activities. Results: In the methanol extract, 21.8mg of GAE, 23.3mg of QE, and 6.663 mg of catechin equivalents were found in phenol, flavonoid, and condensed tannin. Under UV at 254nm and 366nm, HPTLC fingerprinting profiles reveal seven spots with different Rf values, indicating a unique chemical signature. At various concentrations, Ca, Fe, O, N, and other elements were detected by XRF analysis. In the disc diffusion method, methanol and water extracts show significant anti-bacterial effects on K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. It was found in GC-MS that the methanol extract contained several compounds that demonstrated gastroprotection activity in several studies, which may be related to the traditional medical claims of the plant for dyspepsia and stomach pain caused by ulcers. Conclusion: Furthermore, this research sheds light on the varied pharmacological activities of P. hydropiper and its intricate pharmacognostic details. Standardization of herbal drugs is urgently needed, supporting traditional claims through scientific validation. These derived reports can be used to develop pharmacopoeial monographs. P. hydropiper can now be optimally utilised in modern medicine with these insights for researchers, pharmacologists, and practitioners. Major Findings: The plant, P. hydropiper was found rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, with various concentrations of Ca, Fe, O, and N elements. GCMS analysis showed fifty-nine active principles in which major compounds are biologically gastroprotective. The extracts showed antibacterial activity on K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus.