Phytochemical analysis, dosage of total flavonoids, tannins and antiradical effect of aqueous extract of water hyacinth, Eicchornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae), an invasive aquatic plant with therapeutic effects

Water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) is recognized in the invasive aquatic flora in world. Beneficial uses are attributed to the plant in traditional medicine. This study évaluated the phytochemical analysis, dosage of total flavonoids, condensed tannins and to reseach of antiradical effect of aqueous extract of a mixture of leaves, stems and roots of water hyacinth. Phytochemical analysis based on coloring and/or precipitation reactions was performed and the content of total flavonoids and tannins was determined. The antiradical effect of the extract was determined by the DPPH antiradical test in the presence of a control (Vitamin C). The percentages of inhibition of DPPH were calculated and the inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was determined. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, catechin tannins, gallic tannins coumarins, saponins, sterol and triterpenes, gum and mucilage, protein, aromatic amino acids, reducing sugars with respective flavonoid and condensed tannins contents of 52.80±1.36 mg EQ/g and 7.23±1.06 mg EC/g. An IC50 value of 6.47 mg/mL was recorded, which is different from Vit C (0.007 mg/mL). The water hyacinth is rich in natural molecules and has a antiradical effect in the DPPH test.