In vitro antioxidant assay and qualitative phytochemical estimation of Meistera chinensis from Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

Meistera chinensis is one of the species that belong to the Zingiberaceae family. Many antioxidant properties have been reported from this family. Thus, we aim to investigate the antioxidant activity of Meistera chinensis and its secondary metabolites. The ethanol extract of M. chinensis was fractioned and obtained Ethyl acetate Fraction (FEA), Precipitate Fraction (FEN), and fraction 1-8 (F1-F8). The fractions were assayed with DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline sulphonate) for their scavenging activity in vitro. Ascorbic acid and Trolox were used as control. The phytochemical screening was qualitatively conducted with a colorimetric method. The IC50 value of FEA, FEN, F1-F8, AA, and TX according to DPPH were 35.61±2.22; 47.62±2.93; 90.05±2.27; 105.34±0.83; 97.72±1.16; 112.59±1.22;72.81±2.36; 66.67±2.55; 59.47±2.23; 40.93±2.68; 8.84±0.69; and 11.45±0.87 mg/L, respectively. Similiar with ABTS method that exhibited IC50 were 37.27±3.43; 52.10±3.29; 94.19±4.23; 110.40±3.01; 102.80±2.66; 115.71±3.14; 73.60±3.20; 61.98±3.94; 42.70±3.53; 9.58±0.57; and 12.55±4.02, respectively. The secondary metabolites in Meistera chinensis were phenolic compounds, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins. In conclusion, we confirmed that Meistera chinensis has antioxidant capacity for scavenging the free radicals, and the metabolites in M. chinensis might play a vital role in its activity.