Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of phenolic compounds from leaves senna alata (gelenggang)

Senna alata or better known as gelenggang is a medicine that has been used in medicine for centuries all over the world. In the world of traditional Malay medicine, gelenggang leaves are better known as an alternative to treat skin diseases such as ringworm. This ringworm medicinal leaf is also widely used for skin diseases and other problems. Active components extracted from Senna alata are useful for treating various types of diseases such as ringworm, insect bites, laxatives, high blood pressure and also helminth problems as well as various types of skin diseases through the replacement of unsafe chemicals used in cosmetic and medical applications. The purpose of this research is (1) to determine the optimal extraction process parameters (microwave power) for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Senna alata (L.) (2) to investigate the presence of phenolic compounds from Senna alata (L.) by using phytochemical tests; (3) to characterize the extract using phytochemical screening, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The leaves of the Senna alata plant were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method with different microwave powers. Extracts were used to test for the presence of phenolic components. The presence of phenolic components was determined using phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The total phenolic content of the extract was determined using tannic acid as a standard. The number of absorption peaks observed in the extract using MAE extraction with 250W (watts) of microwave power was higher than using 90W and 180W. The total phenolic content found to be the optional concentration in the leaves of Senna alata 250W microwave power at 30 minutes compared to other microwave power extraction with a value of 5.6581 mg/mL. Senna alata leaf extract shows a high concentration of phenolic content and is likely to have higher antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can exploit to new research areas in medical and cosmetic applications in the future