In the heart of Indonesia, researchers are unlocking the secrets of a native medicinal plant, Bajakah Tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.), with the help of modern technology. Erryana Martati, a researcher from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, has been leading a study that could revolutionize the extraction of valuable compounds from this plant, offering significant implications for the traditional medicine and nutraceutical industries.
The study, published in the CyTA – Journal of Food (also known as Spanish Journal of Food), focuses on optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods to maximize the yield of beneficial compounds from Bajakah Tampala. This green technology is particularly advantageous as it protects heat-sensitive compounds, ensuring the extraction of high-quality phytochemicals.
Martati and her team employed response surface methodology (RSM) with a box-behnken design (BBD) to determine the optimal conditions for extraction. By varying ethanol concentration, temperature, and time, they were able to identify the sweet spot that yields the highest levels of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA).
“The optimal extraction conditions we found—54.19% ethanol concentration, 64.38°C temperature, and 29.02 minutes—produced remarkable results,” Martati explained. “We achieved high levels of TPC (18.78 mg GAE/g), TFC (6.67 mg QE/g), and AA (80.79%), which are significantly higher than those obtained through conventional methods.”
The study also identified five dominant compounds with antioxidant relevance: scopoletin, cianidanol, yohimbine, hercynine, and rhynchophylline. These compounds are known for their potent antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the traditional therapeutic use of Bajakah Tampala.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By optimizing the extraction process, Martati and her team have paved the way for more efficient and sustainable production of high-quality phytochemicals. This could lead to the development of new nutraceuticals, functional foods, and traditional medicines that harness the full potential of Bajakah Tampala.
Moreover, the use of green technology in extraction processes aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, the demand for products derived from green extraction methods is likely to increase.
“This research not only advances our understanding of Bajakah Tampala but also demonstrates the potential of green technology in the extraction of valuable compounds,” Martati said. “We hope that our findings will inspire further research and development in this field, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers.”
As the world continues to seek natural and sustainable solutions for health and wellness, the work of Martati and her team offers a promising path forward. By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, they are unlocking the full potential of Bajakah Tampala and contributing to the future of the nutraceutical and traditional medicine industries.