THE POTENTIAL OF MACRONUTRIENTS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BARK AND LEAVES OF TITI TREE (ALSTONIA SP.) IN MOA ISLAND, SOUTHWEST MALUKU REGENCY
Background and Objective: For generations, the people of Moa Island have been using the barks and leaves of the Titi tree (Alstonia sp.) to treat malaria, diabetes, and coughs, which are also believed to increase the body's immunity. The uniqueness of this plant is that it can thrive in extreme environmental conditions. In the long dry spell, when other plants in the vicinity shrivel and wither, the Titi tree (Alstonia sp.) still grows well. This provides an opportunity to develop this plant as a nutraceutical that is beneficial for health and has economic value for the community. This study aims to analyze the macronutrient potential and antioxidant activity of the bark and leaves of Alstonia sp. on the island of Moa. Materials and Methods: The levels of macronutrients and antioxidants were analyzed using a spectrophotometer, and a t-test was performed to distinguish the macronutrient levels of the bark and leaves of Alstonia sp. Results: The results showed that the macronutrient levels of the bark and leaves of Alstonia (protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, and ash) in the bark and leaves of Alstonia sp. were very promising, with a high level of carbohydrates in the bark (76.11%) and leaves (71.84%). The results of the analysis of antioxidant activity on the bark were 18.89 ± 2.59, and the leaves were 20.71 ± 0.58, so they are categorized as having extreme antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The bark and leaves of Alstonia sp. contain potential macronutrients and antioxidant activity with an IC.50 value of 18.89 ppm for the bark (an extreme category) and 20.71 ppm and the leaves, an extreme category, so it has an opportunity to be developed as a nutraceutical.
Alstonia sp bark and leaves, macronutrients, antioxidants