Phytochemical analysis of Melaleuca cajuputi Powell leaves for the development of herbal tea

The plant Melaleuca cajuputi Powell, commonly known as cajuput, is found in coastal swamp forests in Thailand. Traditional knowledge suggests using cajuput tea, derived from its leaves, for treating peptic ulcers. The research was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of the dried leaves from different stages of leaf age and drying methods. The young, immature, and mature leaves were picked from the tree. Leaves were cleaned and dried in a hot air oven at 40, 45, and 50°C. The tea extracts were then analyzed for acid concentration and phenolic content. The study revealed that drying young leaves using varying acid concentrations significantly affected leaf age; however, the drying methods did not exhibit a notable effect. The highest levels of citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid were observed in young leaves. Hot air oven at 40°C resulted in the highest total phenolic content at 137.55mg GAE g^-1 DW.