Abstract

Bel-adzri T. Bellio*, Efren Tangon, Xandra De Guzman, Radzmina B. Bariwah and Zahra U. Mastul

ABSTRACT

Phytochemical screening is essential for identifying various bioactive plant compounds that contribute to drug development, health benefits, and scientific research while Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) is a simple cost-effective method to assess toxicity and potential bioactivity of plant extract and other substances. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and toxicity of Syzygium aqueum leaves, commonly known as watery rose apple, collected from Capitol Hill, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The leaves were subjected to a comprehensive phytochemical screening, revealing the presence of several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. These compounds were recognized for their potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, aligning with the traditional uses of S. aqueum in herbal medicine. To assess the toxicity, the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) was employed, revealing a lethal concentration LC50 of 794.33μg/ml which is toxic. These results laid the groundwork for further investigations into the therapeutic applications of S. aqueum and highlight the necessity for additional studies to isolate individual compounds and evaluate their specific biological activities. The findings suggested that the extract possessed promising pharmacological potential with a relatively safe profile, supporting its continued use in traditional medicine.