Total phenolic contents of selected indigenous fruit trees in Apayao

This study was conducted to determine the morphological characteristics, identity and total phenolic contents of three indigenous fruit trees in Apayao namely Namot, Bignai kalabaw and Lubeg. These lesser known trees were abundant in the region but were underutilized as very little information were available for its maximization. Results of the study showed that the Namot is the richest source of phenolics. Among the four (4) plant extracts, Namot leaves extracts showed the highest total phenolic contents at 1.06mg/g of the Gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The lowest phenolic contents were noticed in Bignai kalabaw (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng leaves at 0.71mg/g of the Gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The total phenolic contents of the extracts of lubeg fruits were found to be lower than the leaves at 0.99 and 1.05mg/g of the Gallic acid equivalent (GAE), respectively. Lubegbelongs to Family Myrtaceae under Phylum Magnoliophyta. The chemical composition of Lubeg leaves was high in steroids, tannins, and coumarins while its fruits were highly positive in quinones and flavonoids. It has anti-oxidant property, and anti-inflammatory. Phenolics are the largest group of phytochemicals that account for most of the antioxidant activity in plants or plant products. The total phenolic content will be helpful for developing new drugs and standardizing the drug. Gallic acid may occur in plants in soluble form either as quinic acid esters (5) or hydrolyzable tannins. The most important biological activity of phenolic compounds is probably their many observed inhibitory effects on mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES