Pharmacognostic Exploration and Bioactive Potential of Pandanus julianettii Martelli: A Review

Abstract

Background: Pandanus julianettii Martelli, an endemic plant of Papua, Indonesia, is traditionally valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and cultural roles, yet remains underexplored in pharmacognostic studies. Aims: This review synthesizes ethnobotanical, nutritional, phytochemical, and antioxidant data to assess its bioactive potential. Methods: Literature published between 2010 and 2024 was retrieved from international databases and gray sources, complemented by field and laboratory data collected in Lanny Jaya and Tolikara districts (2020–2024). Results: The fruit demonstrates high nutritional value, containing approximately 47% fat, 18% protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and E. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. Quantitative analysis showed that the ethanol extract contained the highest flavonoid level (3.93%), while the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest phenolic content (1.82%). Antioxidant activity was moderate, with an IC₅₀ of 45.83 mg/mL, and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.77; p < 0.05) was observed between phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Overall, P. julianettii emerges as a culturally significant and nutritionally rich species with promising antioxidant potential. Conclusion: Further research on compound isolation, toxicity, and in vivo validation is required to support its future development as a nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical resource.