Preliminary Phytochemical evaluation and Vitamin C content of Tolidus (Hornstedtia havilandii (K. Schum) K. Schum) from Sabah / Nur Syafiqah Martang … [et al.]

Most of the plants in the ginger family Zingeberaceae are well-known for their medicinal properties.
However, the genus Hornstedtia found in Sabah is less reported. This research aims to investigate
the phytochemical constituent and vitamin C content of a fruit, locally known as the Tolidus fruit in
Sabah. The dried fruit sample was extracted using three solvents which were water, ethanol and
methanol. The phytochemical constituents were determined using standard Colour Test for the
presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin. Then, the content of Vitamin C was determined
using the standard Colorimetric Titration and ascorbic acid as standard. The phytochemical
evaluation revealed that all three targeted constituents were present in all extracts except for the
alkaloid. The vitamin C content was determined in both dried and fresh sample of fruits, where 52.84
mg was quantified in the fresh fruit aqueous extract and 23.93 mg in the dried fruit aqueous extract
respectively. These results are comparable to the content of vitamin C in orange and lime fruits. The
phytochemical evaluation and vitamin C content of Tolidus suggested the potential of this
underutilised fruit to be the natural and affordable source of vitamin C. Additionally, may protect
the body against harmful free radicals. However, further analysis is needed to determine other
constructive natural contents and evaluate the efficacy of this fruit as a natural source of antioxidant.