DNA protection ability, antihyperglycemic potential and in-vivo toxicity assessment of arrowleaf tearthumb (Persicaria sagittata L.), a neglected aquatic plant species of Eastern Asia.

Persicaria sagittata L. (common name arrowleaf tearthumb, American) is an herbaceous edible plant with characteristics sessile leaves mainly found in wetland areas of North America and Eastern Asia. In Eastern Himalayan Region of India, the ethnic communities consumed this plant as vegetables. The present investigation suggests the plant is endowed with bioactive compounds having potential DNA protection ability and antihyperglycemic activity. The DNA nicking assay revealed that the methanolic extract of this plant has the potential to protect plasmid DNA against hydroxyl damage. The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assay of this methanolic extract suggest more effectiveness in inhibition of α-amylase than the α-glucosidase. Further, proximate composition, micronutrient, total phenolic and flavonoid content of this underutilised aquatic plant was determined. And lastly the in-vivo cytotoxicity study of Persicaria sagittata L. plant extract suggest that the plant is less toxic to in-vivo system.