Determination of Properties of Selected Fresh and Processed Medicinal Plants

The study aimed to determine the chemical properties, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and toxicity level of fresh and processed medicinal plants such as corn (Zea mays) silk, pancit- pancitan (Peperomiapellucida) leaves, pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) leaves, and commercially available tea. The toxicity level of the samples was measured using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that in terms of chemical properties there is significant difference between fresh and processed corn silk except in crude fiber content was noted. Based on proximate analyses of fresh and processed medicinal plants specifically in terms of % moisture, %crude protein and % total carbohydrates were also observed. In addition, there is also significant difference on bioactive compound contents such as total flavonoids and total phenolics between fresh and processed corn silk except in total vitamin E (TVE) content. Pandan and pancit-pancitan showed significant difference in all bioactive compounds except in total antioxidant content (TAC). Fresh pancit-pancitan has the highest total phenolics content (TPC) and TAC, while the fresh and processed corn silk has the lowest TAC and TVE content, respectively. Furthermore, results of BSLA for the three medicinal plants and commercially available tea extract showed after 24 hours exposure significant difference in toxicity level was observed. The percentage mortality increased with an increase in exposure time of the three medicinal plants and tea extract. The results of the study can served as baseline data for further processing and commercialization of these medicinal plants.

Keywords – antioxidant, bioactive compounds, medicinal plant, processing