Abstract:
Kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) is a typical Kalimantan plant that has been used by Banjar and Dayak
communities as traditional medicine and vegetable. This study aimed to examine the potential of kelakai
leaves extracts as a natural product to inhibit Aeromonas hydrophila growth. This research included
kelakai leaves sampling in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, extraction (EtOH 1:4 w/v),
phytochemical and chemicals profile screening (LCMS), prediction of biological activity (PASS server),
antibacterial activity (broth dilution), antioxidant activity (DPPH), total phenol (gallic acid equivalent), total
flavonoid (quercetin equivalent), and total alkaloid (caffeine equivalent). The phytochemical screening
showed that the kelakai leaves extract contained saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids,
anthraquinones, triterpenoids, and steroids. The chemicals profile of the kelakai leaves ethanol extract
consisting of alkaloids, alcohols, amines, amine alcohols, amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids,
glycosylglucose, lipid derivatives, monocarboxylic acid, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. Prediction of
biological activity showed kelakai leaves extract an inhibitor of the peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase
enzyme and free radical scavenger. The antibacterial assay showed that kelakai leaves extract could inhibit
the growth of A. hydrophila. In addition, kelakai leaves extract showed very strong antioxidant potential
(IC50 42.47 ± 0.98 µg/mL), with a total phenol content of 193.97 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid 23.45 ±
0.14 mg QE/g, and total alkaloid 11.74 ± 0.10 mg CE/g. These research findings show that the ethanol
extract of kelakai leaves could be antibacterial against A. hydrophila, which is closely related to its
antioxidant properties.
Keywords: Alkaloids; flavonoids; Kalimantan; peptidoglycan; phenols
