PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SUNGKAI (PERONEMA CANESCENS JACK.) METHANOL EXTRACT FROM INDONESIA

Abstract

Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack.) from South Kalimantan, Indonesia, are used to treat fever and increase body immunity. This study aims to establish pharmacognostic standards that include specific and non-specific parameters and determine the antioxidant activity of methanol extract of P. canescens leaves. P. canescens leaves were taken from South Kalimantan, Indonesia, and were processed into simplicia according to the standards. The extraction was carried out using methanol and maceration techniques, then investigated covering specific and non-specific parameters. Antioxidant testing was carried out by TLC and DPPH assay. The results showed that drying shrinkage was 7.43%, total ash content was 4.10%, and acid-soluble ash content was 0.23%. Simplicia of P. canescens leaves was green in color, had a strong taste, and a characteristic odor, as well as some cell parts from microscopic observations. This study provides an overview of P. canescens, including specific and non-specific parameters that meet herbal medicine standards. Keywords: Antioxidant, Non-specific parameters, Peronema canescens, Pharmacognostic, Specific parameter