Abstract :
Salacca zalacca, a tropical fruit rich in bioactive compounds exhibits antioxidant properties. These compounds protect cells from oxidative damage, contributing to overall health and potentially preventing cancer. This study aims to investigate the anticancer potential of underutilized salak flowers and leaves by characterizing those phytochemical profile and biological activities including ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, total carotene, water, ash, fat, crude fibre, total protein, carbohydrate and calories. Phytochemical content assays were carried out iodometrically and spectrophotometrically while antioxidant activity analysis used DPPH. Samples of 1 fresh male flower, 6 mature male flowers without pollen of different ages and conditions, and 2 leaves with different characters were tested using the complete randomised design method. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Duncan at 95% significance level. Results showed that whole and cut flowers possessed high phytochemical content especially in ascorbic acid (47.57 mg 100g-1) and antioxidant activity (79.26%) around 5 times higher than fresh flower. The difference in flower age had a significant effect with older whole flowers producing better values, while the opposite phenomenon occurred in cut flowers. Overall nutrient content was best in cut flowers and leaves with crude fibre (37.80%) and carbohydrates (7.39%). These values provide a good reference for the utilisation of male flowers and salak leaves as new teraupetic agents.