COMPARISON OF INVITRO PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF GREEN AND RED CULTIVAR OF ALTERNANTHERA SESSILIS FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATION

Vageesh Revadigar*, Aishwarya K. P., Charan M., Chiranthana H. R., Kishan K. N., Nisha S. S.

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacognostical, phytochemical, and biological properties of the green and red cultivars of Alternanthera sessilis leaves. A systematic approach was followed, including authentication, morphological evaluation, successive solvent extraction, and phytochemical screening. Biological activities such as antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects were assessed using in-vitro models. Pharmacognostical and morphological analyses confirmed the identity of the plant, while organoleptic evaluation supported standardization. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, steroids, saponins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are associated with therapeutic effects. Antioxidant activity evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays showed that the alcoholic extract of the red cultivar exhibited the highest free radical scavenging ability. Additionally, anti-obesity potential was observed via pancreatic lipase inhibition, indicating a possible role in reducing fat absorption and supporting weight management. These findings suggest that Alternanthera sessilis, particularly the red cultivar, is a promising natural source of antioxidants and anti-obesity agents, with its phytoconstituents likely responsible for the observed therapeutic effects.

Keywords: Alternanthera sessilis, Antioxidant, Phytochemical Screening, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-obesity.