Ethnobotanical validation and phytochemical profiling of Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC used by indigenous tribes of Mizoram

Abstract Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC, a wild edible vegetable (WEV) deeply rooted in the diets and ethnomedicinal traditions among the six ethnic tribes of Mizoram, viz., Hmar, Paihte, Ralte, Lai, Mara, and Lusei, is culturally and nutritionally significant. However, despite its long-standing use, scientific understanding of its health benefits remains limited, and further scientific investigation is needed to validate these aspects and support its sustainable utilization. This study aims to fill these pivotal gaps by profiling the bioactive and phytochemical properties of G. oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC, thereby reinforcing its potential nutritional and therapeutic applications. Traditional recipes and ethnomedicinal practices among the six tribes were documented before the plants were harvested. Whole plants of G. oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC, collected in February 2024, were extracted with methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus and analysed for their phytochemical composition. The analysis revealed a diverse array of metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, phenols, carbohydrates, and fats and oils. Quantitative assays indicated a total phenolic content (TPC) of 52.39 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1.10 mg GAE µg/mL. Antioxidant evaluation showed moderate ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 113.7 µg/mL). GC-MS identified linolenic acid and phytol as major volatile compounds, while HPTLC quantified linolenic acid at 157.3 µg per 30 mg sample. ICP-OES revealed elevated potassium levels (356.624 mg/kg), confirming its nutritional importance and potential contribution to cardiovascular health. Ethnobotanical surveys documented varied culinary and medicinal applications, including management of hypertension, diabetes, and support for lactation within the indigenous tribes of Mizoram. These findings validated the traditional uses of G. oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC and provide data for its bioactivity and phytochemical composition, and emphasise its potential as a nutritionally and therapeutically valuable plant in Mizoram, encouraging further research and sustainable utilization. Graphical abstract