COMPARISON OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FRESH AND DRIED BANGUN-BANGUN (Plectranthus Amboinicus L.) LEAF DECOCTIONS USING THE DPPH METHOD BY UV–VIS SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

Abstract

Bangun-bangun (Plectranthus amboinicus L.) is an ethnobotanical plant traditionally used by the people of North Sumatra, especially for postpartum mothers. This plant contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids, which have antioxidant potential. Antioxidants play an important role in neutralizing free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and degenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant content, IC₅₀ value, and antioxidant activity of fresh and dried bangun-bangun leaf decoctions based on IC₅₀ values. This research used a quantitative experimental design. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using the DPPH method with a spectrophotometer, showing a maximum DPPH wavelength of 517 nm. Phytochemical screening of bangun-bangun leaf powder confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and steroids. The results showed that the fresh leaf decoction had an IC₅₀ value of 94.622 µg/mL, classified as strong antioxidant activity, while the dried leaf decoction had an IC₅₀ value of 102.33 µg/mL, classified as moderate antioxidant activity. Vitamin C, used as a positive control, showed very strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 10.291 µg/mL