Effect of Drying Method Treatment on Total Phenolic, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Kersen (Muntingia calabura l.) Leaves

Abstract

The manufacture of kersen leaf simplicia generally goes through a drying process, but it is not yet known which method of drying is best to obtain the best content. This study consisted of two treatments: the drying method of the blower oven and the vacuum oven. The results showed that the type of drying treatment on the simplicia of kersen leaves had a significant effect on the total levels of flavonoids but did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol levels. The total level of flavonoids in the vacuum oven drying treatment was 4.68%, while in the blower oven drying treatment was 3.61%. The total polyphenol content in the blower oven drying treatment was 14.85%; whereas by drying the vacuum oven it was 16.21%. The antioxidant activity of the vacuum oven drying treatment was 17.77% while the blower drying treatment was 17.26%. The vacuum oven drying treatment should be used for getting higher flavonoid content in Kersen leaves compared to blower oven drying treatment. The analysis showed that the intensity of antioxidant activity for both treatments were very strong. Thus, it is very potential to be used as an antidiabetic.