The effect of shading and vermicompost on the growth, yield, antioxidant activity, and flavonoid content of two Medinilla species

One of the medicinal plants with significant beneficial potential is Medinilla, locally known as parijoto in Java and bunga trijata in Bali. This plant is originally from the Philippines. Medinilla fruit is rich in bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, antioxidants, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins. This study aims to investigate the effects of cultivation techniques and microclimate conditions on the secondary metabolite content, especially antioxidants and flavonoids of Medinilla cultivated outside its natural habitat. This study utilized plant materials from two species, Medinilla speciosa and Medinilla verrucosa. The experiment employed a Nested Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three factors: Medinilla species, shading level, and vermicompost dose. This study also examined the effects of shading and vermicompost (kascing fertilizer) treatments on Medinilla speciosa and Medinilla verrucosa over a 12-month period. The results demonstrated that 75% shading significantly suppressed plant growth and flavonoid content, while enhancing antioxidant activity. Medinilla verrucosa exhibited more dominant adaptive responses to shading conditions. In contrast, vermicompost application did not improve growth, flavonoid levels, or antioxidant capacity in either species.