Pharmacognostic, Antioxidant, and Anthelmintic Analysis of AqueousExtracts from the Aerial Parts of Enhydra fluctuans

Introduction: Enhydra fluctuans, commonly referred to as water lettuce, is a widely recognized aquatic plant with significant traditional medicinal applications. Its bioactive components have been associated with various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anthelmintic properties. This study aimed to assess the potential antioxidant and anthelmintic activities of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Enhydra fluctuans. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, saponins, and tannins. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, where the IC50 values of the aqueous extract and standard ascorbic acid were compared. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) at three different extract concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/ml). Albendazole (10 mg/ml) served as the standard reference, while normal saline acted as the control. Parameters such as time to paralysis and time to death were recorded. Additionally, biochemical and histopathological analyses of the gut were performed to validate the findings. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of multiple bioactive compounds, supporting the plant';s medicinal potential. The aqueous extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 23.29 µg/ml, closely comparable to that of ascorbic acid (27.73 µg/ml). The anthelmintic activity demonstrated a dose-dependent effect, with the 100 mg/ml extract showing a paralysis time of 18 ±1.52 minutes and a death time of 76 ±1.28 minutes. Comparatively, albendazole- treated worms exhibited a paralysis time of 18.32 ±2.64 minutes and a death time of 54.24 ±2.18 minutes. Biochemical and gut histopathological examinations further corroborated the extract';s efficacy in anthelmintic activity. Conclusion: The study confirms the antioxidant and anthelmintic potential of the aqueous extract of Enhydra fluctuans. The significant free radical scavenging activity and dose-dependent anthelmintic effects support its traditional medicinal use. These findings provide a scientific basis for further exploration of Enhydra fluctuans as a natural therapeutic agent, particularly in developing plant-based anthelmintic treatments.