Keywords: Melastomataceae; M. malabathricum; M. hirta; M. decemfidum; antioxidant; antibacterial

Abstract

Melastomataceae family species, commonly known as “senduduk” to the Malay community, have gained attention in scientific research as they provide many benefits. Traditionally, various parts of the plants, such as leaves, roots, and flowers, are used to cure diarrhea, accelerate wound healing, lower high blood pressure, and for post-natal care. This study explored the leaves of three different Melastomaceae species, namely Melastoma malabathricum, Melastoma hirta, and Melastoma decemfidum for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The results showed that all the Melastoma leaf extracts exhibited high antioxidant activities in the range of 39-93% and 4.47 - 9.82 mg/mL of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) in 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and total phosphomolybdate assay, respectively. The antibacterial properties of all the Melastoma leaf extracts showed Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly sensitive towards inhibition of studied samples. It was found that M. hirta exhibited the highest zones of inhibition and was the most sensitive towards target bacteria as compared to the other Melastoma leaves. Thus, it can be concluded that Melastoma plants, especially M. hirta, could be used as a potential source of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds for utilization in cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medicine.