Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Test of Secondary Metabolite Compounds in Methanol Extract from Tuber of Belajang Keissi’ (Stephania venosa (Blume) Spreng)

The tuber of Stephania venosa (Blume) Spreng, locally known as Belajang Keissi’, belongs to the Menispermaceae family and is traditionally used in Indonesia for treating diabetes mellitus, as a nerve tonic, and as an anti-cancer remedy. This plant is recognized for its bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. The objective of this study was to analyze the phytochemical content and evaluate the toxicity of the methanol extract of Stephania venosa tubers to explore its potential as an anticancer agent. The study involved sample preparation, extraction by maceration, phytochemical group testing using specific reagents, and toxicity assessment through the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids as the major secondary metabolites, while the toxicity test showed that the extract exhibited significant lethality to Artemia salina larvae, with an LC50 value of 14.92 ppm. This result indicates high toxicity, meeting the threshold of bioactivity for potential therapeutic applications (LC50 ≤ 1000 ppm). The mechanism of toxicity is hypothesized to involve the interference of alkaloids with the neural and digestive systems of the larvae. This study highlights the potential of Stephania venosa tubers as a source of bioactive compounds for antibacterial, antifungal, or anticancer development, warranting further isolation and advanced pharmacological testing to confirm its therapeutic applications.