The Effects of Fermentation Process on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Spider Flower (Gynandropsis gynandra)

Spider flower (Gynandropsis gynandra), also known as “Maman” that is traditionally fermented and consumed as pickles in Malaysia. In this study, the chemical composition, microbiological content and biological activities of the fresh and fermented Maman leaves and stem were evaluated. Approximate analysis was carried out by using AOAC standard methods, microbial content was determined by using total plate count, antioxidant activity was evaluated DPPH (%) and ferric reducing power. The antimicrobial activity evaluated by 96 well micro-titer plates against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028, Escherichia coli ATCC12229 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538. The results demonstrated reduction in the protein, fiber, and carbohydrate contents of Maman sample after fermentation in both leaves and stem, while the content of ash was increased. Fermented Maman contained significantly high (p