Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Activities and Biofuel Production of Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth): A Review

Abstract

Eichhornia crassipes is one of the free floating macrophytes with substantial damaging effects on aquatic environment and economic development. It is listed as one of the most productive plants on earth and among the top ten world’s worst aquatic plants. Several metabolites such as vitamins, terpenoids, phenolic acids, lignins, stilbens, alkaloids and sterols have been reported from the plant. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive and up to date compilation of documented chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and renewable energy profile of water hyacinth. The plant demonstrated wide spectrum of uses including biofuel production, medicinal function, vermicomposting, compost production and bioremediation. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antiaging, DPPH radical scavenging, hepatoprotective and antibacterial functions are well documented medicinal uses of the plant of which tremendous antioxidant and antibacterial activities were noticed. On the other hand, clogging of waterways, breeding grounds for pests and disease, reduction of water quality, loss of biodiversity and economic recession in invaded areas are negative aspects associated with it. The present review therefore discusses the chemical makeups, pharmacological and renewable energy aspects of the weed.

Keywords

• biofuel
• eichhornia crassipes
• pharmacological activities
• renewable energy