A Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Terpenoid and Alkaloid in Root and Stem of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack)
Abstract: Herbal, as health
solution, regained its popularity because many studies showed advantages of
using it. One of the most industrially needed herbal materials is the extract
of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), which is popular for its alleged
sexual-enhancing properties. E. longifolia was known to produce secondary
metabolites, especially terpenoid and alkaloid. The presence of major alkaloids
and terpenoids in root and stem of E.
longifolia was evaluated quantitatively by analyzing the ethanol extract of
root and stem of E. longifolia using GC-MS. Qualitative analysis was conducted
through colorimetric test on both extracts by using Dragendorff and
Lieberman-Burchad reagents. Colorimetric test showed that there was a
difference in both terpenoid and alkaloid amounts on ethanol extract of both
root and stem. GC-MS analysis showed that the ethanol extract of E.
longifolia from the root contained
14.631% terpenoid and that from the stem was only 7.781%. The ethanol extract
of E. longifolia from the stem contained 1.785 % of alkaloid, while that from
the root was 5.117 % from total compounds. Major alkaloids found on both organs
were 3-Methyl-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c][1,10] phenanthroline, which
showed higher concentration in root. Major terpenoid in root included
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one, 3-phenyl- (coumarin derivate), whilst that in stem was
Stigmasterol. These substances have different activities in target cells.
Therefore, the knowledge of active compounds in organ parts of pasak bumi will
lead to a more efficient production process.
Author: Anisa Rahmalia,
Rizkita R. Esyanti, and Iriawati
Journal Code: jpfarmasigg110002
