Unveiling antioxidant properties of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (kemunting): a comparison between its leaf and fruit

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (kemunting), a native plant of Southeast Asia, has long been used in traditional medicine and is now attracting attention for its antioxidant potential. This study compared the antioxidant properties of its leaves and fruits through the determination of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant activity using DPPH and FRAP assays. The leaf extract exhibited significantly higher TPC (115.90±1.72 mg GAE/g), DPPH activity (84.10±1.43%), and FRAP value (121.96±1.42 mg TE/g), indicating stronger antioxidant capacity. In contrast, the fruit extract showed higher TFC (316.52±6.79 mg QE/g) and TAC (86.11±4.40 mg/L), reflecting its richness in flavonoids and anthocyanins. These findings highlight the distinct antioxidant profiles of kemunting leaves and fruits and emphasize the potential of this underexplored native plant for functional applications in Malaysia.