Sweet Potato Leaf Extract Gummy Candy as an Antioxidant-Rich Functional Food for Stunting Prevention in Children
Abstract
Stunting remains a major public health concern linked to oxidative stress and micronutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to develop and evaluate gummy candy formulations containing sweet potato leaf extract (Ipomoea batatas L.) as a functional food candidate for stunting prevention in children. The extract was obtained by maceration, and the formulation was evaluated through phytochemical screening, sensory evaluation, weight uniformity, antioxidant activity using the DPPH method, and mineral content analysis with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Sensory evaluation by 30 panelists indicated observable differences between formulations: F0 (control) was preferred in terms of color and taste, while F1 (with extract) presented a darker green-purple appearance and a slightly bitter aftertaste, though texture remained similar in both. Weight uniformity results met pharmacopeial standards, with coefficient of variation values below 5%. Antioxidant activity testing revealed strong radical scavenging potential of the extract (IC₅₀: 29.263 ppm), moderate activity in the F1 gummy (IC₅₀: 108.245 ppm), and very weak activity in F0 (IC₅₀ > 200 ppm), compared to ascorbic acid as a positive control (IC₅₀: 6.426 ppm). Mineral analysis of F1 showed iron content of 168.94 ppm and zinc content of 28.05 ppm, contributing significantly to daily nutritional requirements. In conclusion, the incorporation of sweet potato leaf extract into gummy candy provides bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity and essential minerals, while maintaining acceptable sensory quality. These findings support its potential development as a functional food to contribute to stunting prevention strategies in children.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
W. Y. Sihotang, D. Yuliana, L. M. Harefa, F. J. Situmorang, and S. Siregar, "Determinants of stunting in children under five: a scoping review," Indonesian Journal of Nutrition, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 9–20, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.14710/jgi.12.1.9-20
UNICEF, WHO, and World Bank, "Level and trend in child malnutrition," World Health Organization, p. 4, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073882
R. Chen, K. Tedroff, E. Villamor, D. Lu, and S. Cnattingius, "Risk of intellectual disability in children born appropriate-for-gestational-age at term or post-term: impact of birth weight for gestational age and gestational age," European Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 273–282, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-019-00590-7
J. Gambini and K. Stromsnes, "Oxidative stress and inflammation: from mechanisms to therapeutic approaches," Biomedicines, vol. 10, no. 4, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10040753
A. Muscolo, M. O. Mariateresa, T. Giulio, and R. Mariateresa, "Oxidative stress: the role of antioxidant phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of diseases," International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 25, no. 6, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063264
H. Sies, "Oxidative stress: concept and some practical aspects," Antioxidants, vol. 9, no. 9, pp. 1–6, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090852
H. Sies, "Oxidative stress: concept and some practical aspects," Antioxidants, vol. 9, no. 9, pp. 1–6, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090852
A. Itam, M. S. Wati, V. Agustin, N. Sabri, R. A. Jumanah, and M. Efdi, "Comparative study of phytochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities and phenolic content of Syzygium aqueum extracts growing in West Sumatera Indonesia," Scientific World Journal, vol. 2021, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5537597
S. Islam, "Sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam): the super food of the next century? An intensive review on their potential as a sustainable and versatile food source for future generations," CYTA - Journal of Food, vol. 22, no. 1, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2024.2397553
K. H. Hong and E. Koh, "Effects of cooking methods on anthocyanins and total phenolics in purple-fleshed sweet potato," Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, vol. 40, no. 5, pp. 1054–1063, Oct. 2016. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.12686
H. C. Nguyen, C. Chen, K. Lin, P. Chao, and H. Lin, "Bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and health benefits of sweet potato leaves," Molecules, vol. 26, no. 7, p. 1820, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071820
Y. Cao et al., "Transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in plants," Horticulture Research, vol. 11, no. 4, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae043
M. Alali et al., "Nutraceuticals: transformation of conventional foods into health promoters/disease preventers and safety considerations," Molecules, vol. 26, no. 9, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092540
U. Čižauskaite, G. Jakubaityte, V. Žitkevičius, and G. Kasparavičiene, "Natural ingredients-based gummy bear composition designed according to texture analysis and sensory evaluation in vivo," Molecules, vol. 24, no. 7, Apr. 2019. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071442
M. Roudbari, M. Barzegar, M. A. Sahari, and H. A. Gavlighi, "Formulation of functional gummy candies containing natural antioxidants and stevia," Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 11, p. e31581, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31581
M. Tarahi, S. Tahmouzi, M. R. Kianiani, S. Ezzati, S. Hedayati, and M. Niakousari, "Current innovations in the development of functional gummy candies," Foods, vol. 13, no. 1, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010076
N. K. Aprilianda Widyantari, N. P. M. A. Arthana, D. G. A. Ariwijaya, N. N. W. Udayani, and I. G. A. A. K. Wardani, "Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of citrus mistletoe leaves (Dendrophthoe glabrescens) using DPPH method," Indonesian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, vol. 4, no. 1, Jun. 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.37311/ijpe.v4i1.25409
N. Putu, P. Cahya, N. Putu, R. Dharma, and K. A. Puspa, "Antioxidant activity of gummy candy from Chinese betel leaf (Peperomia pellucida L. Kunth) extract using DPPH method," Indonesian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 436–446, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.37311/ijpe.v3i3.22117
J. R. Shaikh and M. Patil, "Qualitative tests for preliminary phytochemical screening: an overview," International Journal of Chemical Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 603–608, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i2i.8834
S. Giacosa, L. Ferrero, M. A. Paissoni, S. Río Segade, V. Gerbi, and L. Rolle, "Grape skin anthocyanin extraction from red varieties during simulated maceration: influence of grape seeds and pigments adsorption on their surface," Food Chemistry, vol. 424, Oct. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136463
T. P. Silverstein and J. R. Rosé, "Dependence of quinone electrochemistry on solvent polarity and pH," Journal of The Electrochemical Society, vol. 169, no. 6, p. 066507, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac5efe
M. Havena, N. Lubis, L. Marlina, S. Riska, and M. Putri, "Hedonic test of Bejabi formula by using various local food in a food diversification program," International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 34–38, 2020. [Online]. Available: http://www.ijstr.org
M. Leonel, L. F. dos Ouros, N. A. B. Lossolli, and S. Leonel, "Sweet potato: nutritional aspects of roots and leaves," Global Health Trends and Perspectives in Health Sciences, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.56238/globalhealthprespesc-046
Á. Calín-Sánchez and Á. A. Carbonell-Barrachina, "Flavor and aroma analysis as a tool for quality control of foods," Foods, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 361, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020361
M. Roudbari, M. Barzegar, M. A. Sahari, and H. A. Gavlighi, "Formulation of functional gummy candies containing natural antioxidants and stevia," Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 11, p. e31581, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31581
J. Paredes, D. Cortizo-Lacalle, A. M. Imaz, J. Aldazabal, and M. Vila, "Application of texture analysis methods for the characterization of cultured meat," Scientific Reports, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 2785, Dec. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07785-1
J. R. Shaikh and M. Patil, "Qualitative tests for preliminary phytochemical screening: an overview," International Journal of Chemical Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 603–608, Mar. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i2i.8834
M. Tarahi, S. Tahmouzi, M. R. Kianiani, S. Ezzati, S. Hedayati, and M. Niakousari, "Current innovations in the development of functional gummy candies," Foods, vol. 13, no. 1, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13010076
N. Mahfudh, N. Sulistyani, A. F. Khoirot, T. I. Safira, F. Othman, and Z. A. Zakaria, "Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves ethanol extract increases endogenous antioxidant activities in hyperlipidemic rats," Sains Malaysiana, vol. 51, no. 9, pp. 2873–2883, Sep. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2022-5109-11
N. Chaves, A. Santiago, and J. C. Alías, "Quantification of the antioxidant activity of plant extracts: analysis of sensitivity and hierarchization based on the method used," Antioxidants, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 7, Jan. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010076
M. Fabbrini, C. Ranzini, F. Melani, and F. Niccolai, "Polyphenol and tannin nutraceuticals and their metabolites: how the human gut microbiota influences their properties," Biomolecules, vol. 12, no. 7, p. 875, Jul. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12070875
S. Kiokias, C. Proestos, and V. Oreopoulou, "Phenolic acids of plant origin: a review on their antioxidant activity in vitro (O/W emulsion systems) along with their in vivo health biochemical properties," Foods, vol. 9, no. 4, p. 534, Apr. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9040534
A. Hunyadi, "The mechanism(s) of action of antioxidants: from scavenging reactive oxygen/nitrogen species to redox signaling and the generation of bioactive secondary metabolites," Medicinal Research Reviews, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 1205–1248, Nov. 2019. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21592
O. S. Nwozo, E. M. Effiong, P. M. Aja, and C. G. Awuchi, "Antioxidant, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties of medicinal plants: a review," International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 1182–1201, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2022.2157425
Y. Jang and E. Koh, "Antioxidant content and activity in leaves and petioles of six sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and antioxidant properties of blanched leaves," Food Science and Biotechnology, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 337–345, Apr. 2019. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-018-0481-3
M. Sharifi-Rad et al., "Lifestyle, oxidative stress, and antioxidants: back and forth in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases," Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 11, p. 694, Jul. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00694
Á. Calín-Sánchez and Á. A. Carbonell-Barrachina, "Flavor and aroma analysis as a tool for quality control of foods," Foods, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 361, Feb. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020361
S. Suárez, T. Mu, H. Sun, and M. C. Añón, "Antioxidant activity, nutritional, and phenolic composition of sweet potato leaves as affected by harvesting period," International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 178–188, Jan. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2020.1716796
X. Shu, Y. Li, J. Gao, Y. Sun, C. Zhang, and L. Wang, "The effect of nitrogen and potassium interaction on the leaf physiological characteristics, yield, and quality of sweet potato," Agronomy, vol. 14, no. 10, p. 2319, Oct. 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102319
World Health Organization, WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: WHO, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/250796
Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2001. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222310/
Y. Bin Nisar, V. M. Aguayo, S. M. Billah, and M. J. Dibley, "Antenatal iron–folic acid supplementation is associated with improved linear growth and reduced risk of stunting or severe stunting in South Asian children less than two years of age: a pooled analysis from seven countries," Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 9, p. 2632, Sep. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092632
M. I. Costa, A. B. Sarmento-Ribeiro, and A. C. Gonçalves, "Zinc: from biological functions to therapeutic potential," International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 5, p. 4822, Mar. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054822
F. Mohamad, D. I. Setiawan, N. S. Slamet, and A. Y. Pomalingo, "The potential of ‘TYam’ biscuits (biscuits with tempeh flour and spinach powder substitution) as an alternative prevention of stunting in toddlers," Gorontalo Journal of Health and Science Community, Apr. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://ejurnal.ung.ac.id/index.php/gojhes/index
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37311/jsscr.v7i3.33862
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal Syifa Sciences and Clinical Research
| EDITORIAL OFFICE OF JOURNAL SYIFA SCIENCES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH |
| Department of Pharmacy, Gorontalo State University Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.6, Kota Gorontalo, Provinsi Gorontalo 96128, Indonesia |
| Email: [email protected] Google Scholar : JOURNAL SYIFA SCIENCES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH |




_ok_o_ff.png)







1.png)



