Antioxidant activities and polyphenol compounds of kenaf leaves tea infusion after in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion and consumer perception survey

Abstract

Kenaf leaves are one of the kenaf parts which has a high potential to be utilized as a tea leave infusion in Malaysia. Kenaf leaves are known to have high antioxidant properties. Kenaf leaves tea (KLT) can be prepared through a simple process, however, the consumer perception of the uses of KLT was not evaluated in the Malaysian market. In this study, the antioxidant properties were evaluated through in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID). It was proven that KLT contains a high amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content, tested using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. Although the antioxidant properties were digested throughout simulated gastro and intestine digestion, their content remained quite high after the digestion. Therefore, KLT should have a high potential to be introduced to the Malaysian market. The consumer perception survey obtained a total of 397 responses and it was clear that Malaysians frequently consume tea products at least once a week. Most consumers preferred a slightly sweet and light-coloured tea. While the majority of the respondent was not aware of the existence of KLT, their market acceptability was high as there were 47.4% of respondents chose to try KLT product once it is made available in the market. KLT made from the freeze-drying technique preserved the antioxidants properties, and KLT market potential was proven relatively high due to consumer perception of KLT was similar to commonly available tea products.