Determination of Alkaloid Content in Sonchus arvensis L. Leaf Extract Fractions at Different Fractionation Levels
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis L.) leaves are traditionally used by communities in South Kalimantan to treat gout and promote external wound healing. The leaves contain secondary metabolites, including alkaloids associated with pharmacological activities such as antibacterial effects. This study determines the total alkaloid content of different solvent fractions of S. arvensis leaf extract and identifies the fraction with the highest content. A descriptive observational study was conducted from December 2023 to July 2024 using leaves collected from Sungai Batung Village, Juai District, Balangan Regency, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The plant material was extracted by maceration with 96% ethanol and subsequently fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol. Alkaloids were qualitatively identified using Wagner’s and Dragendorff’s reagents, while total alkaloid content was quantified by UV–Vis spectrophotometry using caffeine as the reference standard at 289 nm. All three fractions tested positive for alkaloids. The total alkaloid contents of the n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol fractions were 4.821%, 7.867%, and 10.11%, respectively. The methanol fraction therefore contained the highest total alkaloid concentration. These findings demonstrate solvent-dependent differences in the distribution of alkaloids across S. arvensis leaf extract fractions and identify the methanol fraction as the most promising fraction for further alkaloid isolation. The study provides a scientific basis for subsequent pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and pharmaceutical investigations of this medicinal plant.
Authors: Siti Jubaidah, Rohama, Mia Audina
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7212448656