Effect of Different Drying Methods on Phytochemical Content of Caulerpa lentillifera from Kei Islands

Abstract

Seaweed, Caulerpa sp., is one of the natural materials that contain many kinds of bioactive compounds depending on species and habitat. The aim of this study was to know the effect of sun drying method on the phytochemical content of C. lentillifera from Kei Islands waters, Southeast Moluccas. The study consisted of several steps,C. lentillifera sample collection using sampling purposive method, direct sun drying and indirect wind drying methods, methanol extraction, and phytochemical test using Harborne method. Crude extract of C. lentillifera in indirect wind drying method was higher than that in direct sun drying. Alkaloid, terpenoid and steroid were found in C. lentillifera from Kei Islands on both drying methods. Saponin was only found in indirect wind drying method. Phenolic compounds were not found in C. lentillifera samples from both drying methods