Botanical characteristics, trnH-psbA gene sequence, preliminary phytochemical composition, and investigation of antioxidant activity of the leaves of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, Myrtaceae

Abstract

     This study aimed to accurately identify Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel collected from Don Duong, Lam Dong, and investigated its botanical characteristics, trnH-psbA gene sequence, preliminary phytochemical composition, and the antioxidant activity of its leaves. The morphological traits were analyzed in detail to support species identification. The trnH-psbA sequence was examined to provide additional DNA data for Plinia cauliflora. The anatomical characteristics were described, highlighting key structural features such as inner phloem, secretory cavities in the leaf blades, and endodermal fibers in the stem – which are important markers for pharmacognostic authentication. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including essential oils, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and carotenoids. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH scavenging assay. Results have shown that the 50% ethanol extract had an IC50 value of (122.263 ± 2.920) μg/mL, demonstrating stronger antioxidant activity than the 70% and 96% ethanol extracts, yet significantly lower than vitamin C (IC50 = (6.488 ± 0.287) μg/mL). This study provides additional data on the botanical characteristics, trnH-psbA gene sequence, and phytochemical composition of Plinia cauliflora in Viet Nam. The findings hold potential applications in herbal authentication and the development of bioactive natural products from this species.