Lamia Yasmin, Soumen Dhara, Debjit Samanta, Disha Saha, Ambika Bag and Moumita Ray

Mikania micrantha, or bitter vine, is a fast-growing invasive weed from the Asteraceae family that hampers crop productivity. Despite its reputation, it contains valuable bioactive compounds and has traditional medicinal uses, though largely unstudied. A recent study examined the impact of climate change on its phytochemicals and bioactivity. Findings showed that in winter, the plant produces higher anthocyanins, phenols, and flavonoids, likely as an adaptive response to stress. Antioxidant activity, assessed via DPPH scavenging, reducing power, and nitric oxide inhibition assays, was significant, with strong free radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 11.79 µg/ml). It also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, achieving 50% inhibition at 252.63 µg/ml and 112.26 µg/ml in egg albumin denaturation and RBC membrane stabilization assays, respectively. Further research is needed to confirm its pharmacological potential in animal models. Overall, Mikania micrantha shows promise as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for medicinal use.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2025.v14.i1d.15255

Pages: 322-328  |  302 Views  118 Downloads