Study of biomedical properties of Rhizophora mucronata fruit from Rembang, Central Java

Abstract

Indonesian in coastal region utilize mangrove ecosystem for aquaculture, fishing ground, firewood source, tourism, nevertheless it is rarely reported as a source of biomedical substances. Rhizophora mucronata is one of the most common mangrove species in Rembang, Central Java. However, study of biomedical prospect of its fruit is neglected. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of R. mucronata fruit extract to inhibit human pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, M. luteus, T. rubrum, and C. albicans), as well as its anticancer activity against P388 murine leukemia cells. Metabolite profile was characterized through phytochemical test and HPLC. The result showed there was no antimicrobial activity of R. mucronata fruit extract against all human pathogens. Cytotoxic assay indicated a moderate anticancer potential with IC50 value of 398 μg/mL. Phytochemical test indicated the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, and steroid/triterpenoid in the crude extract.