FACULTY OF PLANTATION AND AGROTECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA IN HERBAL PRODUCTION (AT112) UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA CAWANGAN SARAWAK AGA 296 PROCESSING AND PACKAGING OF HERBAL PRODUCTS CASE STUDY PREPARED BY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. CLAIRRYSIA ESTHERLINE AK GASAU (2020882954) MUHAMMAD FARHAD BIN MOHAMMAD SAID (2021800528) MUHAMMAD IKHWAN SYAFIQ BIN SHUHAINIZAM (2021815944) NURAFIQAH BINTI MD LAZAN (2021457796) NUR FARAH AMEERA BINTI AWANG DAMIT (2021612824) WAN AINUL MARDHIYAH BINTI WAN AMINURAN (2020497742) 1.0 INTRODUCTION Malaysia offers a diverse natural resource base that is beneficial for the development of a wide range of fruit species. Indigenous fruits are among the less common species, despite representing 95% of all fruit species (Kasron et al., 2020). Generally, indigenous plants include fruits and vegetables that grow naturally on the land or were previously introduced from one region to another through evolution or human domestication. Throughout history, multiple ethnic groups and indigenous peoples have benefited from indigenous plants, allowing locals to benefit from their utilisation. Sarawak and Sabah were Malaysia's leading total producers and areas of cultivation for the indigenous fruits. Dabai, Terung Asam, Embang, and Midin were considered the most potential indigenous species, which are becoming increasingly popular both locally and globally (Ismail et al., 2021). Besides to being relied on as medicinal plants in certain regions, the indigenous fruits also offered valuable sources of minerals (Kasron et al., 2020). Indigenous fruits are exceptionally healthy, containing high energy, protein, and potassium contents. The nutritious content of meals of indigenous origin is generally equivalent to that of many domesticated species. Some indigenous crops have antinutritional properties. Pesticide-free indigenous fruits and vegetables are essential food supplies for rural communities (Hoe & Siong, 1999). Indigenous plants are used in a variety of ways by native societies, including as vegetables, flavourings, and aromatic enhancers (Yusli et al., 2021). However, these customary practises were diminishing in urban locales and among younger people. Plant parts used differed from one species to another and tasted differently (Saupi et al., 2020). The method of cooking differs within the community depending on flavour and aroma intensity preferences, as well as hereditary knowledge that was passed down from previous generations (Yusli et al., 2021). Nutritious indigenous fruits and vegetables have the ability to be influenced for wider consumption, cultivation, and commercialization (Hoe & Siong, 1999). In contrast, the fruits received fewer spotlights due to the lack of consumer recognition of their advantages (Kasron et al., 2020). Because of rising consumer interest and capabilities, the Sarawak state government believes that this fruit has significant potential for invention and being marketed. Fortunately, minimal information on the nutritional and phytochemical studies on these indigenous fruits. (Ismail et al., 2021). As a result, this study proposes a comprehensive nutrient content analysis as well as nutritional and phytochemical features for the identified plant species, Bambangan and Asam Kendong (Buah Along). 2.0 POTENTIAL AND HURDLES IN THE APPLICATION OF BAMBANGAN AND ASAM KENDONG AS ANTIOXIDANT Indigenous fruits are packed with antioxidants, which are associated to a variety of health positive aspects for instance, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological diseases. However, there are certainly both benefits and hurdles when utilising indigenous fruits as food antioxidants. To illustrate the benefits of indigenous fruits, various parts of the ‘Bambangan’ fruit such as the peel, pulp and kernel have been reported to contain high antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activity especially towards the cancer cell lines (Ahmad et al., 2015). This is also applicable towards the indigenous fruits of ‘Asam Kendong’ that are also rich in secondary metabolites such as xanthones, flavonoids, and so on which are also known for its antioxidant properties (Haris & Sani, 2022). There are numerous benefits in the application of ‘Bambangan’ and ‘Asam Kendong’ as prolong research and studies has shown that these types of indigenous fruits are commonly regarded to contain prominent levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids as well as carotenoids which are able to prevent oxidative damage to cells (Zhu, 2018). To add, both ‘bambangan’ and ‘asam kendong' fruits have a lot of nutritional values as these indigenous fruits are often high in vitamins, minerals, and many more that can benefit general health and well-being (Lobo et al., 2010). Moreover, with the usage of ‘Bambangan’ and ‘Asam Kendong’ as food antioxidants, it may promote sustainable sourcing, boost local economies, and preserve traditional knowledge and cultural legacy (Nicoletti, 2018). Besides that, the availability of these indigenous fruits is highly likely to attract a wide range of consumer interest as consumers are becoming more interested in natural and plant-based nutrients in their meals, and indigenous fruits can provide a distinctive and culturally significant source of antioxidants. As for the hurdles for the application of ‘Bambangan’ and ‘Asam Kendong,’ we could observe that there is an apparent lack of standardisation in terms of the antioxidant properties of these indigenous fruits. There is on occasion variation in the composition and antioxidant content of various kinds of indigenous fruits, making it difficult to assure consistent quality and efficacy of food items (Zhu, 2018). Limited availability of these indigenous fruits is only part of the hurdles as many indigenous fruits are only available seasonally or in specific places, making it difficult to regularly obtain them for usage in food products (Nicoletti, 2018). Next, indigenous fruits might require specialised processing procedures to extract and maintain their antioxidant properties, which may complicate and increase the cost of food product development while also prolonging the process of acquiring these bioactive chemicals (Lobo et al., 2010). To conclude, there are tremendous potential benefits to utilising indigenous fruits as food antioxidants, but there are various obstacles to overcome. These considerations must be carefully considered to ensure the ethical and sustainable exploitation of these rich natural resources. 3.0 CURRENT USES OF BAMBANGAN AND ASAM KENDONG The Bambangan fruit, also known as Mangifera pajang, is used in many ways. It is used to produce pickle (jerok) Bambangan among Kadazans in Sabah, while the young leaves are marketed as vegetables in Sarawak, and the thick rind can be sun-dried and kept being used to make "sambal." It has also been used to improve the nutraceutical characteristics of food products, such as biscuits and macaroni, and to make a variety of food preparations, including pickles, dry fruits, minimally processed fruits, and juices. Currently, commercially available M. pajang pulp and juice powders are used to make various functional foods and can be used as ingredients in a variety of food products (Al-Sheraji et al., 2011). Additionally, the presence of a diverse variety of phytochemicals in bambangan fruit and its by-products opens the possibilities for nutraceutical and functional food uses. The Bambangan fruit pulp is freezedried after being homogenised with distilled water (1:1, v/v). The freeze-dried samples of Bambangan fruit are used to make powdered Bambangan fruit juice and various functional foods (Ibrahim et al., 2010). Native Sabah people typically consume young Bambangan fruits as a vegetable or as a side dish, blanched in boiling water, or boiled with meat. The flesh and grated seed kernels of the Bambangan fruit are pickled together and stored for prolonged periods of time before being consumed with other side dishes. The peel of Bambangan fruit can be eaten and contains more polyphenols than the flesh and seed (Prasad et al. 2011). Locals commonly use the peel to make curries, and the skin of a young fruit can be used to produce pickles. Polysaccharides can be employed to improve a variety of dietary products, including dairy products, products tailored for overweight people, diabetic preventative products, and prebiotic products. All sections of the Bambangan fruit can be used to make antioxidant-rich drinks and high-fibre food products, as well as a powerful antioxidant. The second indigenous fruit that needs to be discovered is Asam Kendong, which is scientifically called Garcinia forbesii. The first uses of this fruit are that this plant's white and sour-sweet fruit is edible, and the rind has been used as a flavour in a variety of cuisines (Noor & Senin, 2017). Phytochemical investigations show that Garcinia species, including Garcinia forbesii King, are high in secondary metabolites, particularly xanthones. Xanthones are well known for their anti-inflammatory (Zhang et al., 2014), antiviral, antimalarial (Elfita et al., 2009), antidiabetic (Phukhatmuen et al., 2020), antifungal (Gopalakrishnan et al., 1997), and anticancer properties (Sukandar et al., 2020). Furthermore, because of the presence of hydroxy groups in their backbone, xanthones are powerful against free radicals (Taher et al., 2012). Ethnobotanically, G. forbesii King has been empirically used as a folk medicine by locals in East Indonesia to treat malaria and diabetes. A thorough investigation found that G. forbesii King is a promising source of potentially bioactive metabolites for medical and pharmacological applications. The peel of G. forbesii King fruit is often used as an herb and spice, and it adds a sour flavour to a variety of meals. 4.0 PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENT AND COMPOSITION OF BAMBANGAN AND ASAM KENDONG Table 1. Phytochemical content and composition of Bambangan and Asam Kendong. Fruit Fruit component Solvent Identification used for method/instrument extraction used process Bambangan Flesh, kernels, peels, whole fruit Hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol Phytochemical compound detected Concentration Soxhlet, HPLC, FRAP Total phenolic • assay content (TPC), total carotenoid content (TCC) • Asam Kendong Bark, whole n-hexane, fruit methanol phenolic • DPPH, ABTS, FRAP Total assays content, flavonoids • TPC (mg GAE/g) Flesh: 5.96 Peel: 22.93 – 98.0 Kernel – 103.3 TCC (mg βcarotene equivalent/100g) Flesh: 20.04 Peel: 13.09 Total phenolic content (187.37 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g) Flavonoids (35.97 ± 0.02 mg QE/g) Summary of References result/author comment Bambangan • kernel extract exhibited greater • cytotoxic activities due to high quantities of phenolic component. Ridhwan et al. (2022) Jahurul et al. (2018) G. forbesii Wairata et al. King stem bark (2021) extract has a greater phenolic and flavonoid content. 5.0 ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BAMBANGAN AND ASAM KENDONG Table 2: Antioxidant activity of Bambangan and Asam Kendong Fruit Bambangan Asam Kendong Fruit component Antioxidant property Kernel, stem bark, Antibacterial, and leaves antifungal, cytotoxic activity, free radical agent Fruits, leaves Ferric reducing antioxidant power, Analysis method Disc diffusion method, cytotoxic assay, DPPH IC50 DPPH IC50, FRAP assay Values 6.27 ± o.61 µg/mL, 500 to 7.81μg/mL Hexane extract lowest value (1.054 mg/mL), Ethyl extract highest value fruits and leaves (4.438 mg/mL and 8.938 mg/mL), FRAP values 2.453 ± 0.07 at 50 mg/mL Summary of result/author comment The kernel extract demonstrated potent free radical scavenging abilities. Hexane extracts have the highest level of fruit antioxidant activity, Ethyl acetate extracts from the fruit and leaves of Garcinia forbesii displayed the strongest FRAP activity. References • • • • Ahmad et al. (2015) Mackeen et al. (1997) Saha et al. (2004) M. Haris & Sani, (2022) 6.0 CONCLUSION In conclusion, ‘Bambangan’ and ‘Asam Kendong’ both have a lot of antioxidants in them. Both of them are regarded to contain prominent levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids to prevent oxidative damage to cells. Because of its availability, these fruits will likely attract a wide range of consumer interest. The hurdles of these fruits are the apparent lack of standardisation for its antioxidants. Because of this, it makes it harder to control the quality consistently. These fruits also may need some specialised processing procedures to extract and maintain their antioxidant properties which complicates and increase the cost of food product development. 7.0 REFERENCES Ahmad, S., Sukari, M. A., Ismail, N., Ismail, I. S., Abdul, A. B., Abu Bakar, M. F., ... & Ee, G. C. (2015). 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