Antioxidative constituents of Morinda citrifolia (Mengkudu) and Centella asiatica (Pegaga)

Abstract

Marinda citrifalia (mengkudu) and Centella asiatica (pegaga) has been used as a traditional medicine and these two herbaceous plants are essential for human uses due to its capability to scavenge the free radicals and can cure harmful diseases. The purpose of this research were to determine and to compare the a-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and carotenoid concentrations as well as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase specific activities in the leaf tissues of Marinda citrifa/ia and Centella asiatica. Results showed that Marinda citrifalia contained significantly higher concentrations of a-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and ascorbate peroxidase specific activities compared to Centella asiatica. In contrast, Centella asiatica contained significantly higher concentration of guaiacol peroxidase specific activities compared to Marinda citrifalia. No significant differences were observed in the concentration of carotenoid and catalase specific activities of Marinda citrifalia and Centella asiatica leaf tissues. Results revealed that Marinda citrifolia and Centella asiatica were a good source of natural dietary antioxidants.