Determination of Antimicrobial Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, and Phytochemical Content of Hanguana Malayana

Chai, Teresa Yu Qian (2025) Determination of Antimicrobial Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, and Phytochemical Content of Hanguana Malayana. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Hanguana malayana, from the Hanguanaceae family, is a tropical plant found natively and widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It has been used as traditional medicine for diseases, such as wounds, inflammation, and infection. Although it is traditionally significant, scientific research on it remains limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity, and anti-inflammatory activity of H. malayana. Its extracts were obtained through two methods: Soxhlet extraction and maceration extraction. Qualitative phytochemical testing on both extracts dissolved in absolute ethanol, with a final concentration of 2 mg/mL, showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins, suggesting H. malayana as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts at different concentrations ranging from 12.5 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL against Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 2836), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) was identified by the disc diffusion assay. The results showed that both extracts were only active against Staphylococcus aureus, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 mg/mL, which was determined by using the broth microdilution method. To determine its anti-inflammatory potential, lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assay was carried out. The results showed that only the Soxhlet extract with concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/mL to 1.6 mg/mL significantly inhibited LOX activity (p<0.05), while the maceration extract did not. The overall findings demonstrated that H. malayana has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and anti-inflammatory activity when extracted using the Soxhlet method. These results provide a scientific basis for its development as a natural source of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, whereas extensive studies on H. malayana are still significant to exploit its potential.