Ethanolic Soxhlet Extract of Harendong Leaf (Melastoma malabathricum): A Study of Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

. As a traditional medicinal plant that has been used for generations by the Baduy community to treat various ailments, Melastoma malabathricum L. ( harendong ) leaves represent a promising source of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic constituents that contribute to antioxidant activity. This study aimed to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of harendong leaf extract obtained through Soxhlet extraction using 96% ethanol. The total phenolic content was quantified using the Folin – Ciocalteu assay and expressed as mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract. At the same time, antioxidant activity was evaluated using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay at a wavelength of 593 nm. The extract exhibited a total phenolic content of 66.48 ± 3.97 mg GAE/g extract and an antioxidant activity of 1.46 ± 0.14 mmol Fe² ⁺ /g, which was lower than that of ascorbic acid (3.99 ± 0.12 mmol Fe² ⁺ /g (n=3 for both). These findings are consistent with the known relationship between phenolic content and antioxidant activity, highlighting the potential of M. malabathricum leaves as a scientifically supported natural source of antioxidants.