Qualitative identification of alkaloid compounds in Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Hafizah; Denok Tri Hardiningsih; Ahmad Thohir Hidayat; Annissa Delfira

doi:10.22437/proca.v1i2.50270

Authors

Hafizah Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi
Denok Tri Hardiningsih Department of Phytopharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi
Ahmad Thohir Hidayat Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi
Annissa Delfira Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22437/proca.v1i2.50270

Keywords:

Moringa oleifera, alkaloids, antianemia, antioxidants, phytochemical screening

Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera (moringa leaves) is a biological resource with significant pharmacological potential. Empirically and scientifically, this plant extract has been proven effective as a hematinic (antianemic) agent due to its essential mineral and vitamin content. In addition, moringa is rich in secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, which have strong antioxidant activity. This antioxidant activity is crucial because it has the potential to protect erythrocyte membranes from damage due to oxidative stress, thus supporting synergistic antianemic efficacy. Objective: This study sought to qualitatively validate the existence of alkaloid compounds as bioactive constituents in a 96% ethanol extract of moringa leaves. Methods: Dried moringa leaf powder was extracted using maceration with 96% ethanol solvent for 72 hours. The concentrated extract was tested qualitatively using a precipitation test with specific reagents: Mayer, Dragendorff, Bouchardat, and Wagner. Results: The phytochemical screening results showed a strong positive response to the third test reagent, which proved that alkaloid compounds were present. The reaction is indicated by the formation of a white precipitate (Mayer), an intense orange-red precipitate (Dragendorff), and a Reddish-Brown Precipitate (Bouchardat). Conclusion: The 96% ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was proven to contain alkaloid compounds. These qualitative findings confirm the role of alkaloids as supporting phytochemicals, supporting the potential of Moringa leaves as a natural source of ingredients for antianemia therapy.

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Author Biographies

Hafizah, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Denok Tri Hardiningsih, Department of Phytopharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Department of Phytopharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Ahmad Thohir Hidayat, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Annissa Delfira, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi

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