Biochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Elodea (Egeria densa) Methanolic Extract

Elodea species, including Egeria densa, are globally recognized as invasive aquatic macrophytes that significantly disrupt aquatic ecosystems through the formation of dense floating mats thereby inducing anoxic conditions. However, their potential as a source of high-value bioactive compounds remains mostly under-explored. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity of Elodea methanolic extract to assess its potential for industrial application. Total soluble protein was quantified via the Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) assay, while total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined using colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, supplemented by qualitative screening for secondary metabolites. Results revealed that the extract possessed a mean soluble protein content of 4.5 ± 0.19 mg BSA eq./g FW, a TPC content of 4.015 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g FW, and a 1.86 ± 0.12 mg QE/g FW. Qualitative screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids. The extract displayed high reducing power (FRAP: 196.6 ± 0.5 µmol Fe²⁺ g⁻¹ FW) and significant radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 65.5 µg/mL, comparable to the commercial standard, ascorbic acid (IC50 of 61.98 µg/mL). These findings showed that E. densa is rich in pharmacologically active bioactive components; alkaloids, proteins, phenolics, and flavonoids, thereby highlighting its potential as a reservoir of natural antioxidants. It also suggests that the biochemical synergy between soluble proteins and phenolics drives the high antioxidant efficacy of the extract. The results also suggest that E. densa biomass, often overlooked as an invasive species may serve as a sustainable source of bioactive metabolites in the pharmaceutical or food preservative industries.