Quality preservation (total phenolic content and antioxidant properties) of mas cotek (Ficus deltoidea) leaves by postharvest technology using microwave drying

Abstract

Postharvest technology is one of the crucial aspects of quality control in herb processing. Herb such as Ficus deltoidea (also known as Mas Cotek) is one of the 10 prioritized herbs shortlisted by the government of Malaysia. In this study, the postharvest treatment of Ficus deltoidea by microwave drying is studied in order to determine the best microwave drying method to preserve the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the dried leaves with respect to the fresh leaves. Three microwave power levels (300, 600 and 800 W) were used to examine the quality changes of dried Ficus deltoidea leaves in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Microwave power levels were found to significantly (p < 0.05) affect the quality of the dehydrated Ficus deltoidea leaves. It was found that the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties were higher at the microwave power level of 600 and 800 W as compared to 300 W (p < 0.05).