ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES OF UNDERUTILIZED FRUITS AND HERBS IN KUALA KURAU, PERAK, MALAYSIA

Plants, particularly fruits and vegetables, have many phytochemicals that possess various
bioactivities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties. Malaysian population generally consume a lot of
tropical and sub-tropical fruits in their daily diet that are reported to be high in antioxidant components with
strong potential scavenging activities. However, there are some underutilized fruits that grow abundantly in the
region of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak which may have potential benefits towards human health.
Underutilized fruits and herbs have potential functional properties but generally lack national recognition or
attention. Reasons why these fruits are classified as underutilized are due to the lack of promotion, minimal
planting area and having an economic potential that has not been fully explored. Therefore, extensive efforts
have been made by researchers in promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables due to the many health
advantages, including prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer. Evidence shows that free radicals are
responsible for the damage of lipids, proteins and nucleic acid in cells could lead to these common diseases.
According to Malaysian Food Pyramid, individuals are encouraged to consume at least 2 servings of fruit per day.
The replacement of synthetic antioxidants by natural sources may play a role in maintain health and have
benefits for emulsions in food system. Therefore, probably it would be possible to discover more sources of
natural antioxidant and anti-cancer properties with the work done on selected underutilized fruits and herbs.