The utilization of Sambung Nyawa (Gynura procumbent [Lour]. Merr) leaves extracts as an antioxidant for coconut oil by using ethanol solvent

Abstract

Sambung Nyawa (Gynura procumbent [Lour]. Merr) is commonly well-known as traditional medicine. It contains several chemical constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins and steroids or triterpenoids, which are potential as an antioxidant. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Sambung Nyawa leaves to extract as an antioxidant and its ability to preserve the quality of coconut oil. First, flavonoids were extracted from Sambung Nyawa leaves at various leaf to the solvent ratio (w/v) and extraction temperature. The extracts which gave the highest total flavonoids content was added into the coconut oil and stored for 3 days, 6 days, 9 days, 12 days, and 15 days. Total flavonoids content of Sambung Nyawa leaves extracts were evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Coconut oil was analyzed for its value of acid, iodine, and peroxide number. The results showed that the highest total flavonoids content of 5.18% was obtained for the leaf to solvent ratio of 1:15 (w/v) and an extraction temperature of 65 °C. The lowest acid number of 0.35%, the highest iodine number of 8.09 g I2/100 g, and the lowest peroxide number of 5.20 mg O2/100 g was obtained for the storage time of 3 days for coconut oil mixed with the Sambung Nyawa leaves extracts.