Antioxidant Potential of Optimized Aqueous Extract from Garcinia Parvifolia (Miq.) Dried Fruit Pericarp

Abstract

Introduction: Garcinia parvifolia (Miq.) or Takob-akob possesses various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, and antiviral effects. Previous studies have demonstrated the potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the plant's dried fruit pericarp extracted using organic and inorganic solvents. However, this extraction method is not suitable for direct consumption. To address this, a water-based extraction of G. parvifolia (Miq.) dried fruit pericarp was conducted to create a safe and halal product. Materials and methods: The extraction process involved varying parameters such as temperature (22.4°C, 60°C, and 85°C), solid-to-solvent ratio (1:4, 1:10, and 1:40 g/mL), and time (30 min and 120 min). The ideal temperature was used to determine the optimum solid-to-solvent ratio, and the optimum temperature and ratio were then used to determine the optimum time. Antioxidant activities were assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and expressed as inhibition percentage. Ascorbic acid was used as the positive control. Results: Aqueous-based extraction of G. parvifolia (Miq.) dried fruit pericarp with a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:40 g/mL at room temperature for 120 minutes showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an inhibition percentage of 87.06%, equivalent to 142 μg/mL of ascorbic acid. Conclusion: This research has shown that the water-based extract of G. parvifolia (Miq.) dried fruit pericarp holds significant antioxidant capacity and has commercialization potential beyond just consumable products. Further exploration is needed to uncover additional health benefits of this fruit.