Abstract

• Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre belongs to family Magnoliaceae. The flower samples (tepals) were collected from aged old trees of Mount Popa in flowering period during 2022 – 2023. In this study, the organoleptic evaluations, microscopical examination, nutritional contents, and elemental and heavy metals constituents of flowers were analyzed. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out at Department of Botany, University of Mandalay in 2022. In this evaluation, the fresh tepals were yellow in colour, leathery in texture, aromatic in odour and indistinct in taste. The dried tepals were yellow in brown, brittle in texture, aromatic in odour and indistinct in taste. The colour of powdered tepals was dark brown, the texture was rough, the odour was aromatic and the taste was indistinct. The microscopical examination was carried out at Department of Botany, University of Mandalay in 2022. In this study, pitted vessels, spiral vessels, fibers, sclereids, fragment of parenchyma cells, portion of epidermal layers, tannin cells and oil cells were found in powdered flowers. Nutritional values were determined at Small Scale Industries Department, Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development, Yangon in 2023. Carbohydrate content was the highest (63.77 %) and fat was found as the lowest nutrient (1.98 %) in the powdered flowers. Elemental analysis was performed by using Energy Dispersive X- Ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique at Department of Chemistry, University of Mandalay in 2023. In elemental analysis, potassium (K) was the highest (66.2 %) among the elements. The heavy metal analysis was carried out at Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association (MFPEA), Yangon in 2023. Lead (Pb) was detected at very trace concentration. Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Mercury (Mg) were not found in powdered flowers. This research may be helpful in checking the purity and adulterants of powdered flowers of Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre. These flowers may be safety used as a dietary supplement such as a form of herbal tea since it possesses rich source of nutrients and elements and lack of heavy metals.