AN INITIAL STUDY OF IMPERATA CYLINDRICA LEAVES POTENTIAL AS HERBAL MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS

Abstract

Objective: In traditional medicines, Imperata cylindrica (hereinafter referred to as I. cylindrica) roots are more frequently used than its leaves. The aim of this study was to determine three parameters, namely the content of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of I. cylindrica leaves and roots extracts. Then, root extract parameters were used as a comparison to evaluate the benefits of I. cylindrica leaves as herbal medicine. Methods: The total polyphenol content was measured by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoid content was measured by using aluminium chloride method due to measure the antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-method 2-pikrilhidrazil (DPPH) method. All methods used visible spectrophotometry. Results: The percentages of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and IC50 of antioxidant activity of I. cylindrica leaves extract were 8.1 % (GAE), 2.1% (QE) and 80 ppm, respectively. Then, the measurement results of I. cylindrica roots extract showed the percentages of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and IC50 of antioxidant activity were 1.13% (GAE), 0.28% (QE) and 368 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: The result showed that I. cylindrica leaves extract contained phenolic compounds and flavonoids and had antioxidant activity. The three phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity, have been shown to have effects on health. Therefore, the potential of I. cylindrica leaves utilization as herbal medicine can be promoted more widely.