Bioprospection of Potential Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Compounds from “Secang” [Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod.

Abstract

One plant in the Sulawesi region that is utilized in traditional medicine is “secang,” which is the local name of the Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod. The use of its wood is in the form of decoction to be drunk every day because it has properties for maintaining the body's immune system. Secang tree – as a valuable medicinal plant – is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Analysis has revealed that sappan wood harbors a variety of bioactive compounds – including brazilin, brazilein, sappan chalcone, and protosappanin. However, its use is only limited to the use of the wood. Hence, this research aims to analyze the bioprospection of the secang plant using parts of the wood, fruit, and leaves in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activity. The three parts of secang were extracted using ethanol solvent and then made into five concentrations – namely, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%. The antimicrobial activity test used five test bacteria – namely, Listeria monocytogenes, Pasteurella pestis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella thypi, and Staphylococcus aureus – using the well method. Next, the DPPH antioxidant activity test was contrasted with the vitamin C control. The antidiabetic activity test used an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor and compared with the acarbose control. The results obtained show that all samples can inhibit the growth of the five test bacteria from a concentration of 20–100%. Extracts of secang leaves and fruit have better antimicrobial and antioxidant abilities than secang stems. In the antioxidant test, the ability of the three extracts to bind free radicals increased as the concentration increased. Meanwhile, the antidiabetic test showed that the highest results were obtained from 40% secang leaf extract. Secang has shown promising medicinal properties and is an important resource in traditional medicine, hence warranting the exploration of its potential role as an important source of bioactive compounds for drug development.