Effects of Different Combination of Growing Media on Growth and Total Phenolic Content in Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah)

Abstract

Labisia pumila, locally known in Malaysia as Kacip Fatimah, is highly-prized for its phenols. Phenolic compounds in L. pumila has numerous pharmacological properties such as having anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential. The production of phenolic contents in plants is influence by various factor, including abiotic factors such as soil properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of different combinations of growing media on the growth and total phenolic content in L. pumila leaves. Six combinations of growing media were used, each using different types of compost that had differing amounts of L. pumila leaves. The plants were grown in all media for a period of six months at FRIM’s nursery. Besides growth performance, the total phenolic content was also determined, six months after planting. There was no significant difference in growth parameters for all treatments, with the exception of control (significantly lower than all treatments). However, the total phenolic content of Treatment 1 (80.6 mg GAE/g) was significantly higher than all other treatments. This can be attributed to the properties of Compost 1 (which was in the growth media of Treatment 1), as it had the highest pH (5.26), the highest potassium concentration (0.7%) and high nitrogen concentrations (1.32%). The composition of Compost 1 was 5 kg dry leaves + 500 g dry Kacip Fatimah + Slow Release Fertilizer (SRF). Results from this study showed that growing media is a key factor that leads to significant increment in phenolic compounds in L. pumila.