Abstract
Various phenolic and flavonoid compounds that are secondary plant metabolites are known to contribute to physiological wellbeing. Extraction efficiency of such compounds from plant sources is dependent on the extraction solvent type and composition, and its pH. In this study, different extraction variables were examined: heating time (20 to 180 min), temperature (60°C, 75°C and 90°C) and pH (2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0). Hot water was used in the extraction of dry samples. For phenolics, the most efficient extraction was by using water at 60°C for 180 min, whereby 5.95 mg GA equivalent/dry extract was achieved. The most efficient extraction of flavonoids was achieved with water at 60°C for 150 min, whereby 43 μg Quercetin equivalent/dry extract was obtained. Adjusting the solvent to pH 2.5 increased the yield to 45.3 μg Quercetin equivalent/dry extract.
Highlights
Terung Asam or Solanum ferox is traditionally planted in Malaysia for its fruit, commonly alongside hill paddy, and is popularly cultivated throughout the state of Sarawak
The aim of this study is to examine the extraction parameters: temperature, extraction time and pH on phenolic and flavonoid yield extraction from Solanum ferox fruits
The total phenolic compounds of Solanum ferox obtained by water extraction ranged from 2.29 to 6.01 mg GAE/g dry extract (Figure 2)
Summary
Terung Asam or Solanum ferox is traditionally planted in Malaysia for its fruit, commonly alongside hill paddy, and is popularly cultivated throughout the state of Sarawak. The average yield of this crop is between 16 to 20 tonnes per hectare. With current good market prices fetching RM6.00 - 10.00 per kg, depending on the size and quality, this plant has good prospects as a cash crop that should be promoted. In October 2010, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak filed Terung Asam for Geographical Indication (GI) certification. This plant has been listed in the ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants (Barbosa Filho et al 1991) [1] for its medicinal properties, reportedly effective for the treatment of fever, vomiting, sore throat, and gonorrhoea. Its roots and berries are said to be anti-bechic, anti-asthmatic, anti-rheumatic, anti-viral, anti-cancer, and spermicidal (Joy et al, 2001) [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
