Phytochemical Screening and Antihypertensive Testing of Traditional Medicinal Ingredients of Indonesia

Abstract

Traditional medicinal ingredients originating from the Province of East Kalimantan (Indonesia) with the composition of meniran leaves (Phyllanthus niruri L.), cat whiskers leaves (Orthosiphon aristatus), ceplukan leaves (Physalis minima L.), and lempuyang emprit rhizome (Zingiberis amaricana Bl.) are used to help lower blood pressure by the local community. This study aimed to analyze the content of chemical compounds, determine the levels of chemical compounds, and the antihypertensive effect of these traditional medicinal ingredients. This traditional medicinal herb is made into a fine powder and then brewed with boiling water. Phytochemical screening and determination of levels of phytochemical compounds were carried out on these traditional medicinal ingredients. Testing the antihypertensive effect of these traditional medicinal ingredients was carried out on white male rats. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that the chemical compounds contained in the traditional medicinal ingredients were flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and carbohydrates. Quantitative analysis of the traditional medicinal ingredients showed that the content of flavonoid compounds was 0.6375%, phenolic compounds were 3.2412%, and tannin compounds were 0.6593%. Testing the antihypertensive effect of this traditional medicinal herb on rats can reduce systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure. The conclusion is that this traditional medicinal herb contains phytochemical compounds that can help lower blood pressure in rats.