Liquid-Liquid Extraction Optimization of Clinacanthus nutans Leaves in Ethanol Fraction

Abstract

Dandang gendis (Clinacanthus nutans) is a herb which contains antimalaria and larvacide bioactive compounds. In this study, the dried leaf powder was macerated with ethanol and then partitioned with n-hexane. The resulting ethanol extract was then partitioned again with ethyl acetate and this liquid-liquid extraction procedure was the subject of the optimization. Sample to solvent ratio (1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 (mL/mL), extraction temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C); and extraction repetition (1, 2, and 3 times) variations effect were studied. The bioactivity of the extracts were tested with brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) using Artemia salina. The BSLT result of the 11th extract showed the optimum LC50 value (59.15 mg/L). This extract was obtained from the extraction procedure using 1:4 (mL/mL) sample to solvent ratio, 40 °C temperature, and 3 times repetition. From the Minitab 15 computation results were predicted that the optimum condition is achieved at 1:3.88 – 1:4.00 (mL/mL) sample to solvent ratio, 4.61 – 49.99 °C extraction temperature, and 3 times extraction repetition with LC50 170.19 mg/L. The phytochemistry test results showed that the 11th extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids.