Malay Poison: a study on Melaluca cajuputi extract as potential natural herbicide to suppress aquatic weed growth

• Main Authors: Wan Sulaiman, Wan Syibrah Hanisah, Ramya, Razanah, Othman, Rashidi, Mohd Hatta, Farah Ayuni, Mohd Latiff, Nur Hanie
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: GE Environmental Sciences; GR Folklore; QH541.13 Ecology; SB Plant culture; TD169 Environmental protection; TP248.13 Biotechnology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/95217/1/PAPER%20I184.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/95217/

Malays, are skilled and well known in the art of poisoning. Various poisons are used in a variety of ways and the fact that most of their properties, either poison or intoxicant, as well as their medicinal value obtained from the animal and vegetable kingdoms. One of Myrtaceae family, Melaleuca cajuputi (gelam) has been reported in traditional Malay medicinal practices for various functions and purposes. However, its natural extract has not been well studied; therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the M. cajuputi and assess the effect on weed growth and microbial activities. The finding revealed that three major phenolic acid compounds (Ferulic acid, Vanillic acid and Caffeic acid) and twenty volatile compounds were detected with 493.92±6.88 μg GAE/g DW total phenolic content. The effect of leaves extract of M. cajuputi on both aquatic weeds showed inhibitory activity against Glossostigma elatinoides and Rotala rotundifolia growth as treated by different concentration range from 10g/L to 50g/L. As for microbial activities, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), P. aeruginosa, S. epidermis and Candida albicans were inhibited. Thus, these findings are important because it is the first report of traditional Malay poison plant species used in Malaysia as a potential natural herbicides.