Development prospect of Glochidion sericeum as herbal medicine from Sumatra forest

Abstract

Disease in degenerative metabolic group requires a long-term treatment. Treatment is done with synthetic drugs which in the long run can cause side effects. Hence, people start looking for alternative treatments using ingredients from nature. Medicines from natural ingredients are also considered to have almost no harmful side effects. One type of plants that has been used by community for generations and is believed to be effective in treating ulcer disease is Glochidion sericeum. However, exploitation of the tree bark, caused the trees to languish and eventually die. So far, there has been no scientific research on the content of active ingredients and biological activity of G. sericeum, as well as the cultivation effort. This research aims to determine content of active ingredients and the efficacy of the tree leaves as herbal medicinal ingredients. The methods used in this study are: 1) Sample preparation, samples are taken from Sukaraja village, Ulu Krui sub-district, Pesisir Barat district, Lampung Province; 2) Quantitative phytochemical screening and 3) Tests of biological activities namely antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemia (anticolesterol) were carried out at the Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan. The test results showed that the water extract of G. sericeum leaves contained a flavonoid, steroids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. Based on results of biological activity test, the leaves of G. sericeum have efficacy as an antidiabetic and an anticholesterol.