Phytochemical characterization and investigation of bioactivities of Melochia corchorifolia L.

Background: Melochia corchorifolia L. (MC) is traditionally used to treat various ailments. This study investigated its phytochemical content and evaluated its antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic potential. Methodology: Standard phytochemical screening was conducted, and advanced chemical analyses were performed using GC-MS and HPLC. In vitro antioxidant effects were investigated using various methods. The in vivo analgesic effect was evaluated using the writhing and paw-licking tests. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied using the ear edema & granuluma formation tests. Hypoglycemic effect was assessed using OGTT. Results and Discussion: The standard screening test detected carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and phytosterols. Advanced analyses using GC-MS identified 75 compounds, including 8 major constituents, and HPLC quantified 5 polyphenols: catechin hydrate, (-)-epicatechin, vanillic acid, rutin hydrate, and rosmarinic acid. Significant levels of flavonoids and phenolics were present in the extract, which demonstrated moderate antioxidant capability in the DPPH assay (IC50: 287.35 µg/mL). A significant reduction in pain was observed with the acetic acid (p<0.01) and formalin (p<0.01) methods. The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in the xylene- and croton oil-induced ear edema tests (p< 0.001 and p < 0.01), moderately suppressed granuloma formation, and significantly reduced blood glucose levels in the oral glucose tolerance test (p < 0.001). Conclusion: M. corchorifolia contains multiple bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use and suggesting its potential for further therapeutic research.