Phytochemical Evaluation of Plumbago Zeylanica Roots from Indonesia and Assessment of its Plumbagin Concentration

Abstract

Introduction: Plumbago zeylanica grows widely in many tropical countries. In Indonesia, this plant, known as Daun Encok, has some beneficial effects on human health. Aim: This exploration study aimed to identify the plumbagin compound in P. zeylanica roots from Indonesia. Materials and methods: Dried roots of P. zeylanica were manually ground and then the powder was macerated using ethanol and chloroform for 24 hours at room temperature. All extracts of P. zeylanica were then analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Plumbagin concentration was measured by comparing the extract with pure plumbagin. Results: GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract and chloroform extract of P. zeylanica roots showed the presence of plumbagin as the highest peak. Plumbagin concentration in ethanol extract was 13%, while in chloroform extract it was 81%. Conclusions: The chloroform extract of P. zeylanica root from Indonesia demonstrates a higher concentration of plumbagin compared to ethanol extract.