Evaluation of nutritional and chemical compositions and morphology of horny little devil (Smilax myosotiflora) from different regions in Malaysia

Abstract

Smilax myosotiflora is a wild creeping plant that was scientifically proven to possess antioxidant, aphrodisiac and synergistic effects. However, the composition of the plant can be varied by locations and this will affect the efficacy of the plant bioactivities. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the morphology, and the compositions of nutritional and chemical in the plant from different regions in Malaysia. S. myosotiflora was collected from Kelantan, Perak, and Pahang rainforests. The morphology and nutritional composition of the plant were determined through SEM-EDX and proximate analysis accordingly. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC) were determined while the GC-MS analyses were run on the plant for its chemical profile. It was found that the morphologies of S. myosotiflora tubers were comparable among different areas. Carbon, oxygen and potassium were the main elements with only a low intensity of calcium detected on the surfaces of the Kelantan tubers. S. myosotiflora were significantly different in nutritional compounds but not in TPC and TFC between the samples. There were 15 identical compounds detected in the chloroform extract of S. myosotiflora samples, where 2-methyl-7- phenylindole was the most abundant. Considering the highest TPC, TFC and the most ingredients obtained through the GC-MS, Perak is the best location to harvest and promote the cultivation of S. myosotiflora plant. However, more studies should be performed on S. myosotiflora to explore more benefits for the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

Keywords

• smilax myosotiflora
• morphology
• nutritional profile
• chemical profile