A Comprehensive Study on Ludwigia palustris (L.) Elliott: Physicochemical Characterization, Phytochemical Screening, and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

Objectives: This study explores microscopic features, physicochemical properties, preliminary phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Ludwigia palustris. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic examination was carried out to detail the stomata type, transverse section anatomy, trichome structure, and anatomical features. Physicochemical characteristics such as ash value, extractive value, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index, foreign organic substance, and crude fiber content were analyzed for standardization of the crude drug. The presence of phytochemicals was analyzed qualitatively by elemental and phytochemical screening of different extracts. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were analyzed quantitatively, in addition to Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) profiling for the detection and isolation of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activities were determined through DPPH; hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Antibacterial activity was tested against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by disk diffusion method. Results: Microscopy showed characteristic features, such as anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, and aerenchymatous tissue. Parameters for standardization were developed. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids and phenolics; TLC detected at least six flavonoids and thirteen phenolic compounds. The chloroform extract was rich in antioxidant but poor in antibacterial activity, while the ethanol extract was moderate in antioxidant and had promising broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Conclusion: Ludwigia palustris is rich in phenolics and has high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results indicate the presence of potentially new bioactive compounds, which deserve to be studied further for potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the fight against bacterial resistance and oxidative stress.