Agriculture and Natural Resources

Impact of culture systems on growth and plumbagin yield of in vitro Drosera binata Labill.

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Guidelines are required for the conservation of the carnivorous
plant Drosera binata Labill. in the wild, to ensure sufficient supply for pharmaceutical
use.
Objectives: To compare the effects of different cultivation systems on the in vitro growth,
development and plumbagin production of D. binata.
Materials and Methods: Young shoots of D. binata were cultured using three different
cultivation systems: semi-solid (SSS), continuous immersion (CIS) and temporary
immersion (TIS). Half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium was utilized in all three
culture systems. The growth and plumbagin production were examined at the 8th week of
culture.
Results: CIS promoted superior growth and development compared to SSS and TIS,
as evidenced by higher fresh and dry weights per clump and an increased shoot number.
However, the leaf length was greatest using TIS. Considering growth performance per
replication at the 8th week of culture, explants cultured in CIS had significantly higher
numbers of shoots, as well as greater fresh and dry weights, than those cultured in SSS
or TIS. In addition, the maximal biomass using CIS was more than twice that from
TIS or SSS. The highest plumbagin production was obtained from TIS, followed by
CIS and SSS.
Main finding: The findings should serve as a useful foundation for the tissue culture
of Drosera species, ensuring sufficient supply for future conservation in nature and
the production of pharmaceutical compounds.

Enhancing Napier grass growth under greenhouse conditions using Bacillus and Trichoderma bioproducts

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the Work: Sustainable forage production was enhanced by addressing the
limited data on microbial bioproduct effects in Napier grass cultivation.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of Bacillus and Trichoderma bioproducts on Napier
grass growth, nutrient uptake and physiological responses.
Materials and Methods: Two Napier grass cultivars were treated under greenhouse
conditions with powdered Bacillus or liquid T. asperellum formulations. Growth parameters,
nutrient content, chlorophyll, enzyme activities and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content
were measured. Treatments were applied at varying frequencies and concentrations, with
statistical analyses performed based on analysis of variance and t tests.
Results: The microbial bioproducts significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the growth and
physiological performance of Napier grass under greenhouse conditions. Bacillus and
Trichoderma increased plant height and leaf number, with responses varying by cultivar and
plant age. Bacillus improved the chlorophyll content, particularly in Pak Chong 1, while
Trichoderma consistently promoted leaf development. Fresh biomass gains were significant
only in the Taiwan treated with Bacillus. The enzyme activity analysis confirmed that
Trichoderma stimulated β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidase, whereas Bacillus elevated IAA,
indicating distinct microbial effects on plant physiology.
Main Finding: Microbial bioproducts, particularly Bacillus and T. asperellum, improved
the growth and physiology of Napier grass in a cultivar-specific manner, with Bacillus
enhancing the chlorophyll and IAA contents and Trichoderma stimulating β-1,3-glucanase
and peroxidase activities.

Design and analysis of four-bar linkage transplanting mechanism incorporating compliance linkage

Tawee Ngamvilaikorn, Kummun Chooprasird — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: A novel transplanting mechanism was developed and tested,
combining a four-bar linkage with a compliance linkage, enabling continuously adjustable
planting distances without requiring mechanical reconfiguration.
Objectives: To design and test a four-bar linkage transplanting mechanism incorporating
a compliance linkage for precision agriculture.
Materials and Methods: A transplanting mechanism was developed and mounted on
a mobile crane. Kinematic modeling, kinetic analysis and spring-stiffness calculations
were conducted to ensure a zero-speed planting condition (λ ≈ 1). Field tests were
performed using five vegetable types.
Results: The mechanism achieved high precision in planting: cabbage (mean spacing
= 31.5 cm, coefficient of variation, CV = 4.56%), lettuce (25.8 cm, CV = 4.31%),
green onion (10.2 cm, CV = 3.65%), sweet chard (20.7 cm, CV = 4.12%), and Chinese
celery (15.3 cm, CV = 3.89%). The qualified transplanting rate exceeded 95% for all
crops. The system achieved a planting rate of 828 seedlings/hr/row—nearly three times
faster than manual transplanting.
Main finding: This new mechanism enables infinitely variable planting distances,
allowing it to accommodate nearly any vegetable type—an adaptability that conventional
transplanting systems lack.

Green valorization of defatted rice bran: unlocking bioactive and prebiotic potential using deep eutectic solvent extraction

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Defatted rice bran (DFRB), a nutrient-rich byproduct of rice oil
extraction, is often discarded as waste. Utilizing a sustainable and eco-friendly extraction method
can help to unlock its potential for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals and agriculture.
This study explored the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a green extraction technology to
recover bioactive and prebiotic compounds from DFRB.
Objectives: To extract bioactive compounds from DFRB using a sodium propionate/glycerol (Na:Gly)
DES and to evaluate their phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and prebiotic properties.
Materials and Methods: DFRB was extracted using Na:Gly DES (1:8, weight per volume) at 70°C
for 5 hr. The extract was analyzed for its phenolic content, phenolic composition, protein, reducing
sugars and phytic acid. Its antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays, while its prebiotic potential was
tested based on monitoring L. plantarum growth. In addition, the extract’s ability to inhibit harmful
bacteria was evaluated.
Results: The extraction method recovered a substantial proportion of glycosylated (47.09%) ,
esterified (45.26%) and free phenolic (7.65%) compounds, with ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and
sinapic acid as the dominant phenolic acids. In addition, the extract contained 7.08 mg/g of protein,
4.26 mg/g of reducing sugars and 1.14 mg/g of phytic acid. The carbon and nitrogen sources in the
DFRB extract were suitable for the growth of L. plantarum, while the phenolic acids inhibited the
growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Main finding: Applying Na:Gly DES was an effective, sustainable and eco-friendly method for
extracting valuable bioactive compounds from DFRB. These findings support its potential use in
functional foods, gut health applications and sustainable agriculture.

Vision-based maize field zone classification for control of robot automatically dispensing granular fertilizer

Niramon Ruangpayoongsak, Thanpisit Rangdeang, Chaithawat Puakhom — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Manual application of granular fertilizers is time-consuming
and labor-intensive. Robot design and control are required to replace human labor.
Objectives: to develop and test an automatic granular fertilizer dispenser (AGFD) robot
to replace human labor using a vision-based technique.
Materials and Methods: The problem of zone identification was investigated to locate
the robot’s position based on four defined zones: Front, Middle, Back and No-Row.
A method was proposed to identify these maize field zones using the “You only look once”
classification of red-green-blue (RGB) image frames obtained as the robot navigates in
a maize field based on dead reckoning.
Results: The proposed method for zone identification, implementation of fertilizer system
control and robot navigation in the maize field were successful. The fertilization and
navigation control commands of the AGFD robot were successfully implemented with
a success rate higher than 96% in real-time. The number of frames varied in the range
1,103–2,773 and the number of correct commands for each frame was counted. There was
variation in the field conditions due to light, weeds, growth stages and shadows. When
inconsistency occurred in the commands, the sequence of the designed state machine
could prevent improper state changes and prevent unexpected behavior by the robot.
Main finding: The method of zone classification using front-view RGB images and the
vision-based state machine design could successfully control the robot under various field
conditions. The proposed zone classification could be applied to other types of robots and
other row-crop types under field cultivation.

Phytochemical characterization of major constituents in Thai traditional formulation for knee poultice (Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid) and their inhibition of nitric oxide production activity

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: The Thai traditional formulation for a knee poultice (Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid) has
been used for the treatment of knee inflammation. Basic information is required for quality assessment
of this traditional approach, regarding its major active components with anti-inflammatory activities.
Objectives: To isolate and identify the major components of a Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid formulation from
the plant ingredients and to investigate the inhibitory effects on the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric
oxide release of its ingredients and isolated compounds.
Materials and Methods: The tincture of the Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid formulation and methanolic extracts
of each plant sample were subjected to analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
coupled with diode array detection, as well as using thin-layer chromatography. The major components
were isolated and their chemical structures were elucidated. Inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharideinduced nitric oxide release were investigated using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line.
Results: The phytochemical investigation resulted in the identification of (E)-4-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl)
but-3-en-1-ol (compound D, 1), (E)-4-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-yl acetate (D-acetate,
2), (E)-1-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD, 3), piperine (4), zerumbone (5), zerumbone
epoxide (6), 6’,7’-dihydroxybergamottin (7), oxypeucedanin hydrate (8), curcumin (9), β-asarone
(10), colchicine (11), plumbagin (12) and 6-gingerol (13). The Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid extract was antiinflammatory, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 59.86 µg/mL. Based on the
crude 40% ethanolic extracts, Zingiber zerumbet had the highest activity with an IC50 of 15.45 µg/mL,
followed by Crinum asiaticum, Curcuma aromatica, Zingiber officinale, Zingiber cassumunar and
Globba variabilis. Furthermore, zerumbone (5) had the highest activity with an IC50 of 0.88 µg/mL
followed by plumbagin (12), curcumin (9), zerumbone epoxide (6), colchicine (11), DMPBD (3),
piperine (4), D-acetate (2) and compound D (1), while the NG-methyl-L-arginine acetate salt (positive
control) had an IC50 of 17.16 µg/mL.
Main findings: The active components were identified in the Ya-Pok-Dud-Pid formulation, which
could provide chemical markers for quality assessment and contribute valuable information for further
pharmaceutical development.

Hebridae, Gelastocoridae, and Mesoveliidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from mangrove areas in Thailand

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: This is the first report of the family Gelastocoridae from
a mangrove area in Thailand, providing a new country record for species and the family.
Objectives: Providing a taxonomic list and distributions of Hebridae, Gelastocoridae,
and Mesoveliidae in Thai mangroves.
Materials and Methods: In total, 150 specimens were collected of the Hebridae,
Gelastocoridae and Mesoveliidae from 24 localities during 2013–2024 in coastal mangrove
areas of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea using sweeping and hand-picking methods.
Results: Specimens of Hebrus nereis (Polhemus and Polhemus, 1989) were collected
from muddy margins of small streams and emergent rocks in mangrove forests in South
Thailand. Three species of Mesoveliidae (Mesovelia vittigera Horvath, 1895, Mesovelia
sp. and Nereivelia murphyi Polhemus and Polhemus, 1989) were collected. Female
specimens of Mesovelia were reported from several mangroves in Central Thailand.
One of these females was probably Mesovelia horvathi Lundblad, 1933; however,
a male specimen is needed to confirm the identification. Specimens of the Mesoveliidae
were collected from muddy margins with vegetation or dead logs. Nerthra macrothorax
(Montrouzier, 1855) was a single species of Gelastocoridae collected among organic
matter on a beach in mangroves in South Thailand.
Main finding: A single species of the Hebridae was found restricted to South Thailand,
whereas three species of the Mesoveliidae were collected throughout mangrove areas
in Thailand. Furthermore, a species of the Gelastocoridae was reported from a single locality.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of enzymatically hydrolyzed jackfruit seed protein

Samuchaya Niemrungruang, Ladda Sanduean Wattansirittham, Jenpen Saengprakai — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been well-recognized
for its role in blood pressure regulation. Jackfruit seed protein hydrolysates (JSPs) are
produced via enzymes.
Objectives: To assess the potential of jackfruit seed proteins as a functional food for high
blood pressure treatment based on bioactive peptides.
Materials and Methods: The ACE inhibitory activities were investigated of the JSPs
produced via pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin enzymes. After hydrolysis, smaller
JSP molecules (≤ 3 kDa) were collected following ultrafiltration and further purified
using solid phase extraction (SPE). The ACE inhibitory activity analysis of all peptides
revealed positive results. Hence, the peptides were further separated into fractions
using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed phase-high
performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and subsequently, analysis of the
inhibitory properties of JSP fractions against ACE was carried out.
Results: The mean (± SD) yield of protein from jackfruit seeds extracted using sonication
at 30% amplitude was 18.52 ± 0.6% dry basis. The JSPs had a mean (± SD) ACE-inhibitory
activity of 77.75 ± 0.17% and a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.54 mg/mL.
The impediment to ACE activity by the HILIC 90%_JSP_ACN+0.1%FA fraction was the
highest. Based on further RP-HPLC fractionation of this HILIC fraction, the inhibition
efficiency of fraction 6 (HILIC90%_JSP_RP-HPLC_6) against ACE was exemplary.
Main finding: JSPs are promising alternative sources of antihypertensive functional
food, food ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Acute oral toxicity study of seed, peel and pulp extracts from Ha Chau Burmese-grape (Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.) fruit using mice

Nguyen Hong Xuan, Nguyen Trong Ngu, Nguyen Cong Ha — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: The first evidence of safety for human consumption was
provided for Ha Chau (Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.) fruit extracts, addressing a critical gap
in toxicological data.
Objectives: To determine the acute oral toxicity profile of Ha Chau fruit peel, pulp and
seed extracts in mice.
Materials and Methods: Swiss albino mice received oral doses of ethanolic peel extract,
ethanolic seed extract or pulp juice (5–5,000 mg/kg) using a fixed-dose procedure.
Clinical signs, biochemical and hematological indices, organ weights and histopathology
were evaluated for 14 d following the respective treatments.
Results: All the treated groups had 100% survival with a dose above 5,000 mg/kg
required to kill one-half of the tested members. The tested biochemical and hematological
parameters remained within normal ranges. Organ weights (liver, kidney, spleen),
morphological characteristics and histological findings were comparable between
the treatment and control groups, indicating the absence of extract-induced alterations.
Main finding: The Ha Chau fruit peel, pulp and seed extracts exhibited no acute
toxicity at high doses, providing novel toxicological evidence supporting their safe use
in functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Folate derivative profiling and associated molecular markers in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Folate is essential for human health, with rice being a staple food and a
potential source of folate in Asia. Identifying high-folate rice varieties and developing molecular
markers within genes in the folate biosynthesis pathway that are linked to folate content would
support breeding for increased folate levels.
Objectives: To quantify the folate content and assess the association between target molecular
markers and folate levels.
Materials and Methods: Folate in 65 rice samples was quantified as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate,
10-formyl folic acid, tetrahydrofolate and folic acid using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Molecular markers were developed and tested for their correlation with the folate content.
Results: The total folate content in the sampled rice was in the range 10.27–53.73 µg/100 g.
The primary derivative found was 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. When grouped by folate content,
16 varieties with high folate levels were identified: RD14, RD21, San-Pa-Tong, Dor Kuem,
Riceberry, RD10, Pathum Thani 80, Jao Daeng, Hantra 60, Niao Dtum, Homnil, Plai Ngahm
Prachin Buri, Khow Yai (Purple stem), RD15, Nipponbare and RD35. Five main gene-linked
molecular markers associated with folate content were identified. The microsatellite marker
RM6082, located near the Aminodeoxychorismate lyase gene, was associated with the folic acid
levels. Microsatellite marker RM2482, located near the Dihydroneopterin aldolase gene, was
associated with the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate levels. The single nucleotide polymorphism marker
within the Dihydroneopterin aldolase gene was associated with both the 10-formyl folic acid and
folic acid levels. An insertion-deletion (InDel) marker within the Aminodeoxychorismate lyase gene
was associated with the folic acid levels. Additionally, an InDel marker within the Dihydrofolate
reductase-thymidylate synthase gene was associated with the total folate levels.
Main finding: Rice varieties with high folate contents and five gene-linked molecular markers are
promising candidates for breeding based on marker-assisted selection.

Effect of artificial diet supplemented with antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides on silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Understanding the effects of antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides
(AMPs) in artificial diets is crucial for silkworm growth, gut microbiota and disease prevention.
Objectives: To examine the effects of antibiotics and AMPs on silkworm growth, development
and survival during the first-to-third instars.
Materials and Methods: Silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) were reared under controlled conditions
and fed artificial diets containing antibiotics (amoxicillin) and AMPs. The diets were prepared
using mulberry leaf powder, soy protein, vitamins and other ingredients. Biological parameters
(survival rate, larval weight and development) were recorded and analyzed using Duncan’s
test for significance. Four artificial diet formulations were evaluated: control (no antibiotics or
AMPs), antibiotics (4%) and AMPs (0.2% and 0.4%).
Results: Survival rates during the third instar differed significantly (p < 0.01): control (45.98%),
antibiotics (38.16%), AMP 0.2% (21.74%) and AMP 0.4% (3.55%). In the second instar,
the control and antibiotic groups had the highest weights (0.09 ± 0.01 g), significantly (p < 0.01)
higher than AMP 0.2% (0.07 ± 0.01 g) and AMP 0.4% (0.06 ± 0.01 g). In the third instar, there
was a significant (p < 0.05) difference only between the control group (0.28 ± 0.02 g) and the
AMP 0.4% (T4, 0.09 ± 0.03 g). Based on these results, an antibiotic-free and AMP-free diet was
beneficial for silkworm health and growth.
Main finding: An antibiotic-free and AMP-free artificial diet supported optimal silkworm growth
by preserving gut microbiota integrity. This novel approach eliminated the need for antibiotics,
with important implications in advancing animal dietary research and the silk industry.

Ecdysteroid hormones in molting cycle of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1950)

Sirinart Techa, Peeradet Jaiman Jaiman, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Understanding ecdysteroid hormones and their role in the
molting cycle of the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1950) is vital for
advancing commercial aquaculture, particularly for optimizing soft-shell crab production
and ensuring sustainable farming practices.
Objectives: To investigate the ecdysteroid derivatives—20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE)
and ponasterone A (PoA)—in the molting cycle of the mud crab (S. paramamosain).
Materials and Methods: Crabs (S. paramamosain) were reared in a recirculating system.
A hemolymph sample was collected from each crab. Ecdysteroid hormones—ecdysone
(E), 20-HE, PoA—were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and analyzed based on analysis of variance and
Student’s t test.
Results: HPLC identified PoA as the primary ecdysteroid (33.59–675.06 ng/mL);
however, E and 20-HE were undetectable using HPLC, while EIA detected 20-HE,
(69.01–259.27 ng/mL). The PoA levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the
premolt stage than the intermolt stage. In addition, the 20-HE levels were significantly
(p < 0.05) higher during premolt. The resulting PoA:20-HE ratios were approximately 1:1
in the intermolt stage and increased to approximately 2:1 in the premolt stage.
Main finding: PoA was identified and reported for the first time as the primary molting
hormone in S. paramamosain, providing essential knowledge for optimizing aquaculture.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of some selected Citrus hystrix constituents: in silico and in vitro evaluations

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Compounds with high mobility group A (HMGA) moiety from
Citrus hystrix could be an effective HMG-CoA (an intermediate in the mevalonate and
ketogenesis pathways) reductase inhibitor as statin drugs.
Objectives: To use in silico simulation and in vitro assay as tools to find HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitor from Citrus hystrix constituents.
Materials and Methods: A set of 23 compound structures from Citrus hystrix was
identified and optimized using the Gaussian 09 software at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level
of theory and subsequently docked into the protein structures of HMG-CoA reductase
(https://www.rcsb.org/structure/1HW9) to find the best hit. The molecular dynamic
simulation and in vitro assay were investigated.
Results: In total, 13 of the 23 compounds from C. hystrix had better molecular binding
scores than simvastatin. Only three compounds—6ʹ-O-(3ʹʹ-hydroxy-3ʹʹ-methylglutaryl)-
6ʹ,7ʹ-dihydroxybergamottin (CH1), 6ʹ,7ʹ-dihydroxy-bergamottin and citrusoside G—that
had high binding scores and were obtained in sufficient quantities—were chosen for
further molecular dynamic simulation and in vitro HMG-CoA reductase inhibition
assay. CH1 had better binding affinity than simvastatin, with both these having slightly
different types and numbers of binding interactions. In the in vitro evaluation, CH1 had
the strongest activity. However, the three compounds were less active than simvastatin.
The discrepancy between the in vitro evaluation and in silico results may have been due partly
to the limited solubility of the hydrophobic compounds in the test buffer solution used.
Main finding: Evidence was provided that CH1 in C. hystrix was a promising HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitor and this plant may be a useful functional food plant candidate for the
treatment and alleviation of hyperglycemia and Alzheimer disease.

Characterization of Begomovirus and Potyvirus causing mixed infections on chili plant (Capsicum frutescens L.) in South Lampung, Indonesia

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) productivity in Indonesia is
threatened by mixed virus infections that complicate diagnosis and control
Objectives: To characterize viruses associated with symptomatic C. frutescens plants in
South Lampung using molecular techniques.
Materials and Methods: DNA and RNA were extracted from infected samples and
subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers targeting
Begomovirus and Potyvirus. Sequencing was followed by homology analysis using the
Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was conducted
and pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy chili plants.
Results: The presence was confirmed of both Begomovirus and Potyvirus in the analyzed
samples, with no amplification detected for specific primers of Cucumber mosaic virus
or Tobacco Infectious Chlorosis Virus. The Begomovirus isolate shared 93% identity
with Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Virus from Kertha, Indonesia. The Potyvirus isolate had
100% identity with Potato Virus Y from Ukraine. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these
relationships. The pathogenicity tests identified symptoms ranging from mild to severe
mosaicing, leaf curling and chlorosis.
Main finding: The occurrence was confirmed of mixed infections involving Begomovirus
and Potyvirus in C. frutescens from South Lampung, Indonesia and highlighted the
importance of molecular diagnostics in understanding virus diversity and supporting
disease control strategies.

Effect of brewing conditions of herbal teas from flower and leaf extracts of Sesbania javanica Miq. on total phenolic content, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Importance of the work: Brewing conditions can reveal major factors for improvement of the
components and antioxidant activity of herbal tea.
Objectives: To determine the effect of brewing conditions of herbal tea from Sesbania javanica Miq.
flowers and leaves on antioxidant properties, vitamin C content and total phenolic content (TPC) and
to identify phytochemicals.
Materials and Methods: The TPC, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity were determined using
methods based on Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent, radical scavenging and meta-phosphoric acid,
respectively. Chemical components were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results: The flower water extract produced the highest TPC (70.55 ±1 4.71 µg gallic acid/mg extract)
and antioxidant activity (1/EC50 = 0.0294 ± 0.0093), while the leaf water extract had the highest vitamin
C content (14.22 ± 4.13 µg vitamin C/mg extarct). Flower- and leaf-based teas differed significantly
(p < 0.05) in TPC, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content. Optimal brewing conditions were
flower tea at 70°C for the highest TPC for 10 min (46.73 ± 1.00 µg gallic acid/ mg dried weight)
and at 80 °C for 6 min for the highest antioxidant activity (1/EC50 = 0.04±0.01), while leaf tea at 90°C
for 6 min produced the highest vitamin C content (190.15 ± 4.93 µg vitamin C/mg dried weight).
Temperature was weakly negatively associated with TPC (β = -0.44, p < 0.05). GC–MS analysis
of the flower and leaf ethanol extracts identified several volatile constituents, including 3-methylbutanal,
2-furanmethanol, cyclohexanol, dodecanoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, while the leaf part
contained 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and dodecanoic acid.
Main finding: The bioactive compounds, vitamin C content and antioxidant potential in herbal tea
brewed from S. javanica flowers and leaves could be favorable for people wishing to follow a healthy
lifestyle.