Background: The ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of stems, leaves and fruits of
Phaleria macrocarpa
were screened for their antioxidant
capacity and tyrosinase inhibition properties.
Material and Method: The total phenolic content (TPC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-ion reducing
power (FRAP) were used to evaluate their antioxidant capacity. Tyrosinase inhibition effect was measured using mushroom tyrosinase inhibition
assay.
Result: Ethyl acetate extract of
P. macrocarpa’s stem exhibited highest total phenolic content, DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing
power. Meanwhile, chloroform extracts of leaves and fruits demonstrated potent anti-tyrosinase activities as compared to a well-known tyrosinase
inhibitor, kojic acid.
Conclusion: Since chloroform extracts of leaves and fruits have low antioxidant capacities, the tyrosinase inhibition effect observed are
antioxidant independent. This study suggests direct tyrosinase inhibition by chloroform extracts of
Phaleria macrocarpa.
