Clinacanthus nutans (Belalai Gajah/ Sabah Snake Grass): Antioxidant Optimization on Leaves and Stems

摘要

This study focused on the effects of solvents, extraction time and repeated extraction towards antioxidant properties of Clinacanthus nutans (Belalai Gajah/Sabah Snake Grass). Freeze-dried leaves and stems were homogenized and extractions were done using different solvents (absolute methanol, ethanol, acetone, and their aqueous solutions at 50%, 70%, and 100% concentrations), time of extraction (15, 30 and 60 min) and repeated extraction (1~(st), 2~(nd) and 3~(rd) times)before testing its antioxidant power: folin-ciocalteu index (TPC), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and radical-scavenging activity (DPPH). Significantly high antioxidant power was shown on the 1~(st) extraction of C. nutans using 70% acetone in 60 minutes extraction time. In comparison between leaves and stems, leaves have significantly greater antioxidant potential than stems. In conclusion, different solvents, extraction time and repeated extraction give different antioxidant activity in C.nutans.