Comparative Analysis of Three Torbangun Clones ( Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng) Based on Phenotypic Characteristics and Phenolic Content

Abstract

Torbangun is a folk herb that has been used especially as a breast milk stimulant in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Plant bioactive compound composition is influenced by many factors such as genotype, geographical origin, and environment. Therefore, identifying plant clones with superior chemical composition is a necessity for optimal large-scale production. In this study, three clones of tor-bangun (hereafter referred to as A, B, and C clones) were analyzed through their phenotypic and foliar phenolic characteristics. The phenotypic results showed that the A clone was distinct from the B and C clones. Nevertheless, the result of multivariate analysis using phenolic data showed that these three clones had three distinct patterns of phenolic compounds. The B clone torbangun was identified as the best clone to be used in larger production scale due to its highest quantity of most phenolic compounds.