Phytochemical Screening and Haem Polymerization Inhibitory Activity of Root Extract and Fractions from Strychnos lucida R. Br.

Background: Strychnos lucida R. Br. is used empirically by people in Eastern Indonesia to treat malaria symptoms. The Indonesian government has set a decrease in malaria morbidity as a long-term target. This study aimed to determine haem polymerization inhibitory activity and screen secondary metabolites of root extract and fractions from S. lucida. Materials and Methods: Screening of secondary metabolites of root extract and fractions were performed using TLC. Crude extract was fractionated using dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and N-butanol as solvents. Measurement of haem polymerization inhibition was carried out in vitro using β-haematin. Results: The DCM fraction showed the most effective haem polymerization inhibitory activity (IC50 of 8.96 mg/ml), followed by the n-butanol, aquadest, ethyl acetate, and crude extract. The IC50 values for the DCM, n-butanol, aquadest, and ethyl acetate fractions were smaller than the chloroquine diphosphate. Based on the results of secondary metabolite screening, the DCM fraction of S. lucida root contains terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Conclusion: The content of secondary metabolites influenced the inhibitory activity of haem polymerization in each extract and fraction.