Preliminary study on mangrove plants used as food in Sungai Acheh, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang

Mangroves can be sources of food, especially in scarce times. A community in Sungai Acheh Nibong Tebal Pulau Pinang had been using several mangrove plant species as food and beverages. Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. (Lythraceae), Acanthus ilicifolius L. (Acanthaceae), Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (Avicenniaceae), A. officinalis L. (Avicenniaceae) and Acrostichum aureum (Parkeriaceae) are examples of mangrove species that have been used as food. A preliminary study has been carried out to identify the major phytochemical groups, total flavonoid content, radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity in these species. From this study, the community can develop commercial food or product with therapeutic effects by using fruits of S. caeolaris and leaves of A. aureum. This is due to their flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and low cytotoxicity effect.