Studies on Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Analysis of invasive plant Monochoriahastata, growing in different regions of Jharkhand, India

This study reflects the ethnobotanical importance and phytochemical properties of Monochoria hastata, an invasive aquatic plant growing in aquatic habitat. This plnat has been observed in several parts of Jharkhand like Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Pakur, Dumka, Medini Nagar as well as Lohardaga. Besides its invasive properties this plant has several benefits in culinary practices besides its medicinal importance. The plant is used in the dietary pattern,the flowers of the plants are compared with the prawns owing to its delicate flavor. Phytochemical analysis was performed on leaf extracts, revealing high antioxidant activity through DPPH, attributed to the plant’s phenolic and flavonoid content. This study shows the importance of M. hastata as a probable source of natural antioxidants. The findings are the base of valuable ethnobotanical perceptions and open a new vista for future pharmacological investigations of this plant in dietary, medicinal, and market-related applications.