Extractive composition and bioactivity of Uncaria acida and Uncaria glabrata wood

Abstract

Uncaria acida (red bajakah) and Uncaria glabrata (white bajakah) belong to the liana woody species. Both are naturally cultivated in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan (Borneo) island. This study, aims to investigate the extractive composition of U. acida and U. glabrata wood considering that extracts from different lianas usually are used as anticancer drugs (breast cancer). The phenolic, alkaloid, and saponin contents were measured by colorimetric and GC-MS methods, while the antioxidant, antifungal, and cytotoxicity were investigated using DPPH, Phanerochaete chrysosporium (white-rot), and brine shrimp lethality tests, respectively. The results showed that the total tannins, phenols, and saponins in U. acida were higher compared to U. glabrata, while the total flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and antioxidant activity was lower. The GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of aromatic compounds, fatty acids, and triterpenoids in both species. High concentration of phenols, alkaloids, saponins, fatty acids, and steroids are known to provide support in terms of antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antifungal activities.