Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Six Different South–East Asian Berries

Abstract A comparative analysis of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of six different Southeast Asian berries (Phyllanthus emblica, Averrhoa carambola, Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, Solenum torvum and Solenum melongena) was performed in order to elucidate their potential health benefits. All methanolic extracts exhibited significantly higher in vitro antimicrobial activity when compared to the corresponding aqueous extracts. Among all the berry samples Phyllanthus emblica (both methanol and water extract) showed highest antimicrobial activity. The methanolic extract of Musa balbisiana exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content, followed by Phyllanthus emblica. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were highest in Phyllanthus emblica followed by Averrhoa carambola and others. These berries are rich in phenolic, tannin, flavonoid, anthocyanin and mineral content. Our study revealed that Solanum torvum had a high Na⁺ concentration, Phyllanthus emblica showed elevated Ca²⁺ levels, and Musa balbisiana was rich in K⁺ content.