Distribusi Anatomis Metabolit Sekunder dan Aktivitas Antioksidan Biji Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) pada Tiga Fase Kematangan

Abstract

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is a tropical plant that has an abundant distribution and it widely used in Indonesia. Study on the utilization of melinjo is began to developed in the realm of utilization as a source of medicinal compounds, especially the seeds of melinjo which so far have only been used as food. The seeds of melinjo contain secondary metabolites that are active including phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. These compounds are anatomically produced by the secretory tissue of melinjo seeds. The distribution of the secretory tissue and the compounds produced is thought to be influenced by the maturity phase of the melinjo seeds. The maturity phase of melinjo seeds is marked by the color of the seed coat starting from the most mature, namely red, yellow, and green. In this study, histochemical tests were carried out to determine the distribution of secretory tissue in melinjo seeds and the compounds produced. In addition, antioxidant activity tests were also carried out using the DPPH method. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins are scattered in each layer of melinjo seeds, namely sarcotesta, sclerotesta, endotesta and endosperm at different levels in each stage of maturity. The highest antioxidant activity was in the extract of yellow melinjo seeds with an IC50 value of 24.37 g/mL. Antioxidant activity melinjo seeds are related to the composition of compounds contained in melinjo seeds.