Selpida Handayani, Aminah Aminah, Indah Nurliadi

Determination of Tannin Content of Gringsingan Stem Extract (Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L) Kuntze) by the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

Introduction

Determination of tannin content of gringsingan stem extract (mesosphaerum suaveolens (l) kuntze) by the uv-vis spectrophotometry. Determine tannin content in Gringsingan stem extract (Mesosphaerum suaveolens) via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Uncover its traditional medicine value & potential bioactive compounds.

Abstract

The Gringsingan plant (Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze) is widely used in traditional medicine and is known for its diverse pharmacological properties. Traditionally, it has been utilized to treat various ailments such as tumors, malaria, headaches, cancer, fever, stomach pain, yellow fever, rheumatism, constipation, urethritis, diarrhea, and kidney disorders, as well as to act as an analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and depurative agent. The present study aimed to determine the total tannin content in the stem extract of Gringsingan obtained through Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) and to evaluate its potential as a bioactive compound source. Microwave-assisted extraction was selected because of its advantages, including shorter extraction time, reduced solvent consumption, and efficient recovery of active compounds compared to conventional methods. This experimental research was conducted in the laboratory and consisted of several stages: sample preparation, qualitative testing for tannin presence, and quantitative determination of total tannin content. Qualitative identification using 1% FeCl₃ reagent produced a dark blue to greenish-black coloration, confirming the presence of tannins in the Gringsingan stem extract. The result was further supported by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) testing with the same reagent, which yielded consistent positive results. Quantitative analysis of the total tannin content was carried out using UV–Visible spectrophotometry, with absorbance measured at the maximum wavelength for gallic acid. The analysis revealed that the tannin concentration in the Gringsingan stem extract was 7.487 mg GAE/g extract, indicating that this plant possesses measurable levels of tannins that contribute to its traditional medicinal value.

Review

The study, "Determination of Tannin Content of Gringsingan Stem Extract (Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L) Kuntze) by the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry," addresses a pertinent area in natural product chemistry by investigating a plant with extensive traditional medicinal uses. The Gringsingan plant is historically utilized for a wide range of ailments, from tumors and malaria to fever and various inflammatory conditions, suggesting a rich phytochemical profile worthy of scientific exploration. The primary aim of this research was to determine the total tannin content in the stem extract, thereby offering a scientific basis for some of its documented therapeutic applications. The selection of Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) is a notable strength, promising efficient compound recovery, reduced solvent use, and shorter extraction times compared to conventional methods. The methodology employed in this experimental research was robust and well-structured, involving several critical stages. Initial qualitative screening for tannins was performed using 1% FeCl₃ reagent, which yielded a characteristic dark blue to greenish-black coloration, strongly indicating the presence of these compounds. This finding was further substantiated and cross-verified through thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with the same reagent, reinforcing the confidence in the qualitative identification. For quantitative analysis, the study utilized UV-Visible spectrophotometry, a standard and reliable technique, with measurements taken at the maximum wavelength for gallic acid as the reference compound. This systematic approach ensures a comprehensive characterization of the tannin content. The quantitative analysis revealed a significant total tannin concentration of 7.487 mg GAE/g extract in the Gringsingan stem extract. This finding is crucial as it empirically confirms that *Mesosphaerum suaveolens* contains measurable levels of tannins, which are recognized for their diverse biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These properties could indeed underpin many of the traditional medicinal uses attributed to the plant. The study successfully provides a foundational quantitative assessment, establishing the Gringsingan stem as a viable source of tannins. This preliminary data is valuable for guiding future pharmacological investigations into the specific bioactive compounds and their mechanisms, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic applications.

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