Comparative study of phytochemical content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of Merremia hirta Merr. mature plant and microgreen.

Abstract

Merremia hirta Merr. is a plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, commonly used as a vegetable in Southeast Asia. The plant harbours diverse bioactive constituents, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Microgreens have gained popularity as a cultivation trend. They are referred to as superfoods due to their high bioactive content, which is estimated to be up to 10 times greater than mature plants. M. hirta Merr. microgreen and mature plant were investigated to determine their total phenol content using the Folin Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content using AlCl₃, antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power, and anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation inhibition in vitro. Microgreen demonstrated greater total phenolic content, directly associated with its high antioxidant activity compared to mature plants. However, the mature stage of M. hirta Merr. remains superior in terms of overall flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activity.