Relationship between growth sites and content of steroids and sterols from Pikajar (Schizaea digitata)

Abstract

Abstract One of the plants known to play a role as a drug in Kalimantan is Pikajar (Schizaea digitata). This species has long been known to ethnic Dayak Meratus in South Kalimantan as traditional medicine. Conservation efforts are not done yet, so this species will be endangered. This study was conducted to determine the characteristic habitat and phytochemical confounds of the root, leave, and flower which it was planted in a different site (natural forest, in-situ and ex-situ). The phytochemical confounds of the root, leave, and the flower was analyzed to use Harborne method. S. digitata tended to grow well on habitats at altitude 164-214 m asl with a pH of 4.3-4.6, N of 0.12-0.15, P of 0.15-0.90mg/100g, C of 2.0-2.2%. It has been successfully cultivated in-situ and ex-situ with growth like natural growth. From a quantitative phytochemical test, there is a difference in the content of secondary metabolites, especially in each part of the plant (roots, leaves, and flowers). The content of steroids and sterols which are a source of treatment for impotence, maintaining stamina, and lumbago shows that the largest part of the leaf contains steroids and sterols compared to roots and flowers, namely 39.5mg/ml, 18.8 mg/ml, 5.2mg/ml respectively. The steroids and sterols content in each growing site shows quite similar (the natural habitat of 21.6mg/ml, in-situ of 22.6mg/ml and ex-situ of 19.3mg/ml).