Compounds from the Antioxidant Active Fraction of M. Platytyrea / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This article discusses on the natural compounds from the ant plant (Myrmecodia species, family: Rubiaceae). The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from the tuber of M. platytyrea was fractionated by using medium pressure liquid chromatography, giving eight fractions (F1-F8). Those fractions were evaluated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Fraction F5 was recorded as potent (EC50 = 21.57 ± 1.40 µg/mL). Then, it was purified by using column chromatography (CC) (mobile phase = chloroform: EtOAc). From the CC, ten fractions (F5F1-F5F10) were obtained and compound (1) was isolated from F5F3 via preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC). After spraying with anisaldehyde-sulphuric reagent, compound (1) gave a green TLC spot (Rf = 0.65, 100% CHCl3 , multiple development). The 1 H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (500 MHz, CDCl3 ) was performed to determine the chemical framework of (1). This compound was identified as morindolide, having an iridoid structure. Meanwhile, the mass spectra for compounds (2) and (3) were analysed. The data presented the molecular ion at m/z 375 [M-H]- and 255, suggesting the formulation of 2-(2-methylbutyryl)phloroglucinol glucoside and a flavanone, respectively. From the literature, compound (1) was firstly isolated from a Chinese natural medicine, the dried root of Morinda officinalis (family: Rubiaceae). The flavonoids are also included as the biologically active compounds from Myrmecodia. In short, this is the first occurrence of morindolide from the ant plant.

The Scientific Base of Myrmecodia pendans as Herbal Remedies.

Aims: To find out the scientific base of the traditional plant Myrmecodia pendans as a new natural source for herbal remedies in aspect of its therapeutic compounds and cytotoxic effect on normal cells. Study Design: Experimental laboratory, in vitro study. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratorium Bio Core Faculty of Dentistry Trisakti University, Jakarta, Balai Penelitian Tanaman Rempah dan Obat (BALITRO), Bogor and Pusat Studi Satwa Primata, Bogor, between March to August 2014. Methodology: Several extraction methods of Myrmecodia pendans using maceration technique was done to evaluate their phytochemical contents and cytotoxic effects using (3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium (MTT) assay method. Results: The phytochemical test of both ethanol 70% extract and boiling water extraction produce active phenolic compounds, especially those of flavonoids. There is no cytotoxic effect of the ethanol 70% dried extract on fibroblast cells by MTT assay method. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed significant differences of % inhibition cells growth effect between M. pendans extracts and control group (p=0.00<0.05). Tukey’ high significant difference (HSD) test showed significant differences of % inhibition cells growth effect between each concentrations of 500; 250; 100; 50; 25; 12,5; 6,25; 3,125; 1,56 to 1.000 ppm and also between 1.000 ppm to control (p=0.00<0.05). Conclusion: Myrmecodia pendans can be used as herbal remedies and moreover, the water boiling extraction can be employed as a simple manner for community herbal medicine without any toxic effect on cells.