Phytochemical Screening, Macronutrient Content, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Selected Edible Plants consumed by the Palaw’an tribe in Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines

Authors:
Nikki Ella L. Aguirre¹, Edgar Joseph P. Pardian¹, Merick Jan U. Nuevacubeta¹, Ma. Rosa Flor P. Nillasca¹ and Rhea C. Garcellano^2
1Bachelor of Science in Biology Graduate, College of Sciences, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
²College of Sciences, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

ABSTRACT

This study investigated three edible plants, namely, Ardisia iwahigensis Elmer, Baccaurea gracilis Merr., and Manihot glaziovii Müll.Arg consumed by the Palaw’an tribe in Bataraza, Palawan. Specifically, the phytochemical components, macronutrient contents, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of the crude ethanol extracts of the fresh and/or air-dried leaves were determined. Qualitative phytochemical screening of fresh leaves and chemical profiling of air-dried leaves both revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and tannins. Macronutrient analysis indicated that B. gracilis contained the highest crude protein (13.4% weight by weight) and crude fiber (6.65% w/w), while M. glaziovii contained the highest crude fat (0.807% w/w). Disc Diffusion Assay demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) antibacterial property against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus Ogston, 1880 and Bacillus subtilis Ehrenberg, 1835) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli Escherich, 1885 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Schroeter, 1872) bacteria. The mean zones of inhibitions for A. iwahigensis against gram-positive (21.65–22.58 mm) and gram-negative (19.59–22.27 mm) bacteria were comparable with the positive controls (oxacillin 19.25–19.32 mm; Amikacin 16.52–27.32 mm). However, the three plants did not exhibit antifungal properties. Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay showed that A. iwahigensis was the most toxic with 100% mortality at 1000 ppm (LC50 = 4.270 ppm) after 24h exposure followed by M. glaziovii (97% mortality at 1000 ppm with LC50 = 7.918 ppm). The three edible plants are good sources of various phytochemicals that may have essential biological activities. This indicates that they can be used, not only as food ingredient, but also for therapeutic purposes and as potential sources of bioactive compounds with antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

Keywords: chromatography, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, diffusion assay, lethality assay

^{Available Online: 21 November 2021}

How to Cite:
Aguirre NEL, Pardian EJP, Nuevacubeta MJ, Nillasca MRFP and Garcellano RC. 2021. Phytochemical Screening, Macronutrient Content, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Selected Edible Plants consumed by the Palaw’an tribe in Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 13(2): 68-86. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2021.13.2.06

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