DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i1.229

Keywords: Neobalanocarpus heimii; phytochemicals; antioxidant; cholinesterase inhibitory

Abstract

Neobalanocarpus heimii (Cengal) is a tropical timber plant that plays a prominent role in boat building, furniture making and houses. However, the bioactivities of this plant are limited and not thoroughly discussed. Thus, in this study, phytochemical screening, phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacities, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition activities in methanol crude extract N. heimii were analysed. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and glycosides. The total phenolic content in N. heimii is higher than the flavonoid content, which supports the phytochemical screening results. N. heimii crude extract showed a higher free radical scavenging activity value against DPPH and hydroxyl free radicals. The cholinesterase inhibition activity of N. heimii exhibited a significant IC₅₀ value of 1.13 ± 0.083 μg/mL whilst weak inhibition activity against BuChE. It was concluded that N. heimii twigs extract contains bioactive phytochemicals compounds with antioxidant and AChE activities.