Analysis of Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity in Phyllanthus Niruri Linn. By Different Methods

Abstract

Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (or in Indonesian called meniran) is an herbal plant with high antioxidant activity so it possesses many health benefits. Antioxidant activity in Phyllanthus niruri Linn. is caused by saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the brewing methods on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. The examined brewing methods were the Decoction Brew (DB), Cold Brew (CB), and True Brew (TB) with filter (F) and non-filter (NF). Phytochemical analysis was carried out qualitatively, while antioxidant activity was conducted using the DPPH spectrophotometric method. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that the phytochemical content of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. brewed with the DBF method was higher than those brewed with other brewing methods. In addition, the CBNF method gave the highest antioxidant activity on the brewing water of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. with an average DPPH of 2240.37 ± 93.79 ppm. Furthermore, antioxidant activity in the six treatments was not significantly different (p = 0.3741). For further studies, the researchers suggested analyzing the phytochemical content quantitatively and analyzing antioxidant activity using the FRAP and FIC methods.