Effect of storage on phytochemical contents of misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus Benth) leaves

The effect of storage on the phytochemical contents of fresh and dried misai kucing leaves was studied. The fresh leaves were packed in perforated polyethylene bags and stored at 10 °C for 4 weeks. The leaves were removed from the cold room at weekly intervals, oven-dried and packed in sealed packages and stored for another 6 months at ambient condition. Analyses of the phytochemical changes were done on both fresh and dried leaves. Results indicated that long term storage of dried leaves for 6 months was found to enhance the amount of total phenolic and rosmarinic acid contents of misai kucing especially after they had been stored for 2 weeks at 10 °C prior to the long term storage. However, the amount of total flavonoid seemed to decrease when the dried leaves were subjected to prolonged storage. The total flavonoid content of fresh misai kucing leaves also rapidly declined during storage. Factorssuch as storage condition and storage period may affect the phytochemical content of misai kucing.