Antioxidant potential of Melaleuca viridiflora eucalyptus leaves Yenni Pintauli Pasaribu (a*), Yorinda Buyang (a), Marantika Lia Kristyasari (a), Lamtiar Ferawaty Siregar (a), Dessy Rizky Suryani (b), La Hisa (c)
a) Department of Chemistry Education, Musamus University
Jalan Kamizaun Mopah Lama Merauke, Indonesia
*pasaribu[at]unmus.ac.id
b) Department of Mathematics Education, Musamus University
Jalan Kamizaun Mopah Lama Merauke, Indonesia
c) Balai Taman Nasional Wasur
Jalan Garuda Leproseri Merauke, Indonesia
Abstract
Melaleuca viridiflora Sol. ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae) eucalyptus leaf essential oil has long been used as an aromatherapy, cold remedy, and natural insect repellant. M. viridiflora leaves can be utilized for a variety of uses when the essential oil has been extracted. This study assessed the antioxidant potential of M. viridiflora leaves. Each sample was macerated in hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents separately. By using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, antioxidant activity was determined. The methanol extract of leaves contained the highest TPC and TFC values (140.46 mg GAE/g extract and 16.88 mg QE/g extract). The methanol extract also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH (6.10 mikrogram/mL), ABTS (14.20 mikrogram/mL), and the FRAP assay (37.03 mikroM Fe2(plus)/g). These findings suggest that M. viridiflora leaves might be employed as an antioxidant. As a result, M. viridiflora eucalyptus leaves, in addition to essential oils, can be used to make other products, such as tea. Apart from that, this eucalyptus plant needs to be cultivated by the inhabitants of Wasur village so that it can be used sustainably by the community to maintain health.
