Testing The Saponin Content Of Nutgrass (Cyperus Rotundus L.) Using Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) Method With Solvent Variationr

Abstract

Saponins are secondary metabolites widely found in plants and are known to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Cyperus rotundus L. (nut grass) is one of the plants that contains saponins; therefore, it is important to conduct analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with different solvent systems to specifically identify their presence. The type of research used is a qualitative research type including preliminary tests in the form of foam tests and color tests using Lieberman-Burchard reagent, as well as TLC analysis with three different solvent systems: chloroform:methanol:aquadest (5:4:1), (3:5:2) and (4:4:2). The results of the foam test showed the formation of foam as high as 1.5 cm which was stable for 10 minutes, indicating the presence of saponins. The color test produced a brown coloration, which suggested the presence of triterpenoid-type saponins. TLC analysis demonstrated the formation of red spots with Rf values ranging from 0.33 to 0.83. The solvent system with a ratio of 5:4:1 produced the highest number of spots, indicating more effective compound separation compared to the other systems. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Cyperus rotundus L. extract contains triterpenoid-type saponins, and that variations in solvent systems significantly influence the effectiveness of compound separation in Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis.