The Effect of ZnCl2 Concentrations and Heating Methods on the Chlorophyll, Phenolic, Andrographolide Content and Antioxidant Activity of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) Simplicia Powder

The drying process in Sambiloto simplicia production causes the degradation of chlorophyll as the major compound. However, the stability of chlorophyll can be enhanced by forming a metallochlorophyll complex with zinc (Zn) metal. This research aims to produce Zn-rich Sambiloto simplicia powder to produce high stability of chlorophyll. Sambiloto simplicia powder was prepared through sorting, grinding, sieving, and mixing with ZnCl2 solution at concentrations of 0, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm, followed by heating (using either oven or an autoclave) and drying. The analysis included determination of total chlorophyll, phenolic, flavonoid, zinc, and andrographolide content. DPPH and FTC assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant activity. The results showed that increasing ZnCl2 concentration up to 300 ppm enhances chlorophyll, phenolic, flavonoid, zinc, and andrographolide content. Higher concentrations of ZnCl2 in the oven resulted in decreased lipid peroxidation inhibition (LPI) of Sambiloto simplicia powder, whereas using an autoclave led to increased LPI. Furthermore, higher ZnCl2 concentrations, up to 400 ppm, corresponded to increased DPPH radical scavenging activity. Lipid peroxidation inhibition activity correlated with andrographolide, zinc, and total phenolic contents. Conversely, DPPH radical scavenging activity strongly correlated with total phenolic, total flavonoid, Zn, chlorophyll, andrographolide content.