Characterization Of Bidara (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) Leaf Extract As Affected By Methanol Concentration And Maceration Time

Abstract

Bidara leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) are known to contain various bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that act as natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and have potential applications in health and industry. Saponins, one of the major compounds, function as natural surfactants capable of producing foam and possessing antibacterial and immunostimulant activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of methanol concentration (60%, 70%, and 80%) and maceration duration (24, 48, and 60 hours) on the characteristics of bidara leaf extract, as well as to determine the best combination of treatments based on the observed parameters. A factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors and three replications was applied. The parameters analyzed included extract yield, crude saponin content, foam height, and antioxidant capacity. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to determine differences among treatments. The results showed that methanol concentration and maceration duration significantly affected extract yield and antioxidant capacity, while their interaction significantly influenced crude saponin content. Foam height was not significantly affected by the interaction of treatments. The best treatment was obtained with 80% methanol concentration and 48 hours of maceration, resulting in an extract yield of 12.29±1.20%, crude saponin content of 50.13±0.30%, foam height of 24.44±0.19 mm, and antioxidant capacity of 0.59±0.09 mg GAEAC/g. These findings demonstrate that optimizing solvent concentration and maceration duration can enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from bidara leaves. This study contributes to the development of natural-based extraction methods and supports the use of bidara leaves as a potential raw material for functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries