Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and mineral contents of dried extract of Averrhoa bilimbi and its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Dried extracts leaves powder of A. bilimbi were analysed for its physicochemical properties and mineral compositions. The antioxidant and antibacterial capacities of extracts were determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the disc diffusion method respectively. The functional groups from active compounds were identified by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR). Physicochemical characteristics of A. bilimbi dried extracts, including pH and total acids dissolved in water and ethanol solvents, showed negligible differences. The dried leaves powder of A. bilimbi was rich in carbohydrate, protein, and ash contents. It also exhibited essential minerals in which potassium was the highest content. Compared to water, ethanol extract showed more scavenging property against DPPH (82.82 mg GAE/ g DW) and gave a more inhibitory effect on the growth of Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The FTIR spectra showed phenolic compounds might be associated with the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this extract. A. Bilimbi leaves are promising a source for the development of functional food to prevent diseases related to stress oxidative and bacterial infections.
Keywords:
Averrhoa bilimbi; antioxidant property; antimicrobial activity; physicochemical characteristics; flavonoids