Hussain Zaki U. K.^1,, Nasuha H. H.², Jack A.¹, Hashim H.¹, Zakaria N. E.¹, Saari S. B.¹, Sa’dom N B.¹, Khalid K. H.¹

Garcinia atroviridis (asam gelugur) is an underutilized plant commonly used in traditional medicine to reduce weight and excess body fat by inhibiting glycogen synthesis. The primary active compound in its fruit is (-)-hydroxy citric acid (HCA). This study aims to evaluate the stability of the physicochemical properties, microbiological quality, and hydroxycitric acid content in Garcinia powder during storage, ensuring its suitability as an ingredient in food products designed to support weight management and address metabolic health concerns. Two different bottle materials were chosen for the storage which were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The heavy metal content of the product, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, antimony, and tin, was below the detection limit (not detected, ND). The powder was a source of calcium (206.3 mg/100 g), iron (206 mg/100 g), and potassium (369.4 mg/100 g). Additionally, it was rich in fiber (30.9 g/100 g), copper (0.3 mg/100 g), and vitamins B2 (8.5 mg/100 g), B3 (45.4 mg/100 g), B5 (10.4 mg/100 g), B6 (2.5 mg/100 g), B9 (folic acid = 11.4 mg/100 g), and B12 (148.3 mcg/100 g). Both samples met the acceptable limits for microbial load in Dried or Powdered Botanicals, including total plate count, yeast and mould, and total coliforms. No significant differences were observed between the packaging materials (PET and HDPE) in terms of physicochemical properties, microbiological quality, or HCA content, making both materials suitable for product storage. The HCA content increased significantly by 31% after one and two months of storage compared to the initial value, but by the third month, a decrease was observed in both packaging types. Between months 3 and 4, the HCA content dropped by 32% in HDPE and 41% in PET. Overall, the HCA remained stable for up to three months, which is equivalent to 18 months of real-time storage.

nutrient composition, physicochemical, microbiology, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), HPLC