St Maryam, Rahmawati Rahmawati, Azalia Zalzabila Febiyanti

Analysis of Chemical Ingredients in Jamu Pegal Linu Released in Siwa, Pitumpanua District, Wajo Regency

Introduction

Analysis of chemical ingredients in jamu pegal linu released in siwa, pitumpanua district, wajo regency. Study identified diclofenac sodium adulteration in Jamu Pegal Linu from Wajo, Indonesia, using TLC & UV-Vis. All samples contained the NSAID, stressing traditional herbal medicine safety needs.

Abstract

Jamu is an indigenous Indonesian traditional herbal medicine commonly prepared in the form of brews, powders, liquids, pills, or capsules. However, some manufacturers irresponsibly add pharmaceutical chemicals (Bahan Kimia Obat, BKO) to enhance the therapeutic effects of these products. One of the most frequently detected adulterants in jamu pegal linu—a herbal remedy used to relieve muscle and joint pain—is diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This study aimed to identify and quantify the presence of diclofenac sodium in jamu pegal linu samples circulating in Siwa, Pitumpanua Sub-district, Wajo District, Indonesia. Six samples were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The qualitative TLC analysis utilized silica gel GF254 as the stationary phase and an ethyl acetate–n-hexane (7:3) mixture as the mobile phase. All samples exhibited Rf values of 0.8, corresponding to the diclofenac sodium standard, confirming the presence of this compound. Quantitative analysis using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 276 nm revealed the average diclofenac sodium contents as follows: sample A = 17.911%, B = 20.691%, C = 21.016%, D = 20.902%, E = 23.350%, and F = 23.772%. These findings indicate that all analyzed jamu pegal linu preparations contained diclofenac sodium as a medicinal chemical adulterant (BKO). This study underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation, quality control, and consumer awareness to ensure the safety and authenticity of traditional herbal medicines in Indonesia.

Review

This study addresses a critically important public health issue regarding the adulteration of traditional Indonesian herbal medicines (*jamu*) with pharmaceutical chemicals. The authors set out to identify and quantify diclofenac sodium, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in *jamu pegal linu* samples circulating in a specific district of Indonesia. Utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for qualitative identification and UV-Visible spectrophotometry for quantitative analysis, the research unequivocally demonstrated the presence of diclofenac sodium in all six analyzed samples. The findings are particularly alarming, revealing strikingly high concentrations of the adulterant, ranging from 17.911% to 23.772%, within these traditional preparations. From a methodological standpoint, the study employs appropriate and accessible analytical techniques suitable for initial screening and quantification of pharmaceutical adulterants in herbal products. TLC provides a straightforward and cost-effective method for qualitative confirmation, while UV-Visible spectrophotometry offers reliable quantitative data, especially when targeting a known compound like diclofenac sodium. The clear and concise presentation of *Rf* values and specific wavelength (276 nm) adds to the study's scientific rigor. However, the relatively small sample size of six samples, while effectively demonstrating the *existence* of the problem, limits the generalizability of the *prevalence* of adulteration within the entire region or across different brands. Furthermore, the abstract's high percentage figures for diclofenac sodium content are startling and, while likely accurate as stated, warrant further context or discussion regarding their interpretation in a full manuscript. The implications of these findings are profound and demand urgent attention from regulatory bodies and public health authorities. The presence of such high levels of a potent NSAID in *jamu* preparations poses serious health risks to consumers, who are often unaware they are ingesting a pharmaceutical drug. This can lead to adverse drug reactions, interactions with other medications, and potential organ damage, especially with prolonged, unsupervised use. The study serves as a strong impetus for stricter regulations, enhanced quality control measures, and more robust market surveillance to protect consumers. Future research should expand the geographical scope and sample size, investigate a wider range of potential adulterants, and focus on developing more rapid and routine screening methods to combat this pervasive public health threat effectively.

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