Phytochemical Analysis of Extracts of Ipomoea aquatica, Lasia spinosa, Pistia stratiotes and Monochoria vaginalis Growing in Polluted Water in Sri Lanka

Aims: This study involved four plants (roots of Ipomoea aquatica, Lasia spinosa, Pistia stratiotes and Monochoria vaginalis) for phytochemical analysis, which are growing in the polluted water in Sri Lanka.

Study Design: Phytochemical analysis performed according to the standard methods.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the wastewater disposal subways near the Colombo area, Sri Lanka in July 2016.

Methodology: The plant extracts were prepared by homogenization of plants in distilled water and subjected to phytochemical analysis.

Results: Results of Phytochemical analysis revealed that the four plant extracts contained flavonoids, proteins, and amino acids. Other than that, Monochoria vaginalis contains carbohydrates, phenols, diterpenes and glycosides. Lasia spinosa contained carbohydrates and diterpenes in addition to the above-mentioned phytochemicals.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the plants which are growing in polluted water may possess antimicrobial activity and flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phenols and diterpenes which may contribute to their survival in polluted water.