POTENTIAL UTILIZATION OF MANGROVE LEAVES (Rhizophora sp.) AS RAW MATERIAL FOR FUNCTIONAL HERBAL TEA DRINKS BASED ON PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND LEVEL OF PREFERENCE

Abstract

Rhizophora sp. mangrove leaves contain bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins that have antioxidant properties. This potential can be utilized to develop herbal tea as a natural and healthy functional beverage, which can support the preservation of mangrove ecosystems and contribute to improving the economy of coastal communities. This study aims to determine the potential use of Rhizophora sp. mangrove leaves as raw materials for functional herbal tea through analysis of phytochemical content and panelist preference levels. The research method used is an exploratory and experimental approach quantitatively to three types of mangrove leaves as test treatments, namely Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, and Rhizophora stylosa. The parameters analyzed include phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and hedonic tests. The results showed that the three types of mangrove leaves, namely R. apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa, have potential as raw materials for functional herbal tea drinks. The three types of Rhizophora leaves contain phenolic compounds of 39,716–84,645 mg GAE/g, flavonoids of 61,075–89,508 mg CAE/g, antioxidants with IC₅₀ values of 72,339–76,626 ppm. The mangrove leaf type Rhizophora stylosa showed the best results in all test parameters. The results of the panelists' preference level through the hedonic test, the herbal tea of the three types of Rhizophora leaves was positively received by the panelists, with color attribute scores of 7,00–7,64, aroma of 6,44–6,60, and taste of 7,00–7,16. Rhizophora stylosa herbal leaf tea obtained the highest alternative value based on the results of the Bayes method decision making of 7,27. Rhizophora sp. mangrove leaf herbal tea has the potential to be developed as a functional drink based on natural and local ingredients and supports the sustainable use of mangrove plants.