Morphological characterization and chemical composition of Lubeg (Philippine Cherry)

Abstract

Lubeg or Philippine Cherry is a fruit tree that grows on the west side of Luzon. It is abundant in the municipality of Lal-lo. This fruit tree has been declared as the municipal tree of the town and its by-products are registered as the official “One Town One Product” (OTOP). Its by-products are wine, candy, vinegar, jam and jelly. Lubeg tree remains to be not fully characterized especially the Lubeg trees that inhabit Lal-lo,Cagayan. Exploration of its morphology, classification and chemical composition are greatly considered. Thus, this study was conducted. Profiling and collection was done in the municipality of Lal-lo. The leaves were dried and extracted. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using tree solvents: aqueous, ethanol, and methanol using its leaves and fruits. Morphologically, lubeg tree is medium in size with a height of 5-7 meters. Its leaves have smooth leathery texture, simple, opposite, lanceolate, pinnately netted, entire and with acute apex. The flower is bisexual with white color and in cluster. Lubeg fruit is white to red to purple when ripe; is a berry fruit with brittle rind, ovoid and with one seed per fruit. Lubeg tree belongs to Family Myrtaceae under Phylum Magnoliophyta. The chemical composition of Lubeg leaves was high in steroids, tannins, and coumarins while its fruits was highly positive in quinones and flavonoids. It has anti-oxidant property, and anti-inflammatory. It can lower cholesterol level and reduce risks of heart disease.