SCREENING OF DIFFERENT ECO-TYPES OF MUNRONIA PINNATA (WALL) THEOB. FOR IMPORTANT PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Munronia pinnata is a rare medicinal plant, naturally distributed in China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The entire plant is extensively used for medicinal purposes, especially for curing skin diseases and treating fever, including malaria. Four major ecotypes were identified in Sri Lanka that consist of 3, 5, 7, and 9 leaflets from various regions. This study was performed to investigate the phytochemical activity of four different ecotypes of Munronia. Leaves of ecotypes were collected and dried at 45 ºC for 15 h. The methanol extracts were prepared and used for screening of antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, antifungal, and anti-diabetic activity. The findings were indicated that all ecotypes attest to significant differences in its activity but to varying degrees. The strongest antioxidant activity, highest polyphenol content, and mild inhibitory activity for Cladosporium cladosporioides were observed in ecotype with 3 leaflets. Ecotype with 7 and 9 leaflets showed moderate activity, and ecotype with 5 leaflets was the lowest for all tested properties. None of the ecotypes were given significant positive activity for alpha-amylase and alpha glycosidase enzymes. This study suggests that consideration of ecotypes will be important in the effective usage of Munronia in different medicinal applications.