Phytochemical Analysis of Curry Leaf Extract (Murraya koenigii L.) as a Potential Animal Feed and Medicinal Ingredient

Abstract

Herbal plants have been used for centuries as traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Green plants generally contain phytochemical compounds, such as vegetables and plants that add aroma to dishes, one of which is curry leaves (Murraya Koenigii). This research aims to identify the phytochemical compounds contained in curry leaves. This research was carried out from August 2023 to October 2023. The curry leaves that were obtained were converted into extract form and then the extract was tested for the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics and tannins. The research results showed that curry leaf extract contained 23.73% alkaloids, 1.24% flavonoids, 8.74% saponins, 4.4% phenolics, and 5.2% tannins. Alkaloids in plants have a role as a defense against biotic and abiotic disorders. The benefits of flavonoids in plants include anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic. Saponins have various benefits in the health sector, including being able to reduce cholesterol concentrations in the blood. Polyphenols have good antioxidant power because this group can provide electrons to neutralize free radical electrons formed in the body. Tannins also consist of polyphenolic compounds which have antibacterial, antioxidant and astringent activities. The results of the analysis regarding the content of secondary metabolite compounds in curry leaf extract play an important role in the development of future medicines and need to be carried out to provide knowledge to the public. This study can be a basis for bioactive content for further research to expand the use of medicinal plants in the future, especially curry plants.