Ethnobotanical uses of ‘Cemcem’ (Spondias pinnata (L.F.) Kurz; Anacardiaceae) leaves in Bali (Indonesia) and its antioxidant activity

Spondias pinnata is commonly known in international fruit trade markets as wild mango or hog plum. The use of S. pinnata leaves is considered an integral part of the Balinese ethnobotanical tradition, and is used to make a herbal-medicinal beverage. This present study is not only to improve the historical and ethnobotanical knowledge of this important species, but also to analyse the antioxidant properties and polyphenolic content of the plant in order to confirm, if any, the traditionally well-known beneficial effects. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews through the snowball method. Informants were asked to determine how familiar they were with S. pinnata and its ethnobotanical values. In order to confirm antioxidant activity, the DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavenging assays method, together with the Folin-Ciocalteu analysis were carried out. The present study indicated that S. pinnata possesses strong antioxidant activities based on the ABTS•+ and DPPH assays. It was also found that 100% methanolic extracts of S. pinnata leaves contain large amounts of phenolic compounds mainly responsible for free radical scavenging activities. Further study is essential in order to better understand the therapeutic values of S. pinnata leaves and its role in the prevention and treatment of ailments and chronic diseases mentioned in this study, such as diabetes, heartburn, and urolithiasis.