Optimization of Andrografolid Extraction from the Herb Sambiloto (Andrographis Paniculata (Burm.F.) Nees) Using a Combined Maceration and Refluction Method

This study was conducted to investigate the optimal method for extracting andrographolide, the active compound in Andrographis paniculata (Sambiloto), using a combination of maceration and reflux. The extraction was carried out with 80% ethanol and methanol as solvents, while the raw material, Sambiloto simplicia, was standardized and screened before extraction. Maceration was performed for 16 hours, followed by reflux extraction, where the liquid extract was collected at 1-hour intervals for 6 hours. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to identify andrographolide content, and TLC densitometry was used for quantitative analysis at a sample concentration of 5000 ppm, with detection at 230 nm using chloroform: ethyl acetate: methanol mobile phase (6:2:2). The results showed that based on extraction yield calculated for each time point, 80% ethanol at the 5-hour produced a yield of 3.12%. Qualitative analysis with TLC, using vanillin sulfate as a chromogenic reagent, confirmed the presence of andrographolide, with RF values of 0.79 for the methanol and 0.91 for the ethanol extract. Quantitative analysis showed higher andrographolide levels in the 80% ethanol extract, with the third hour yielding the highest concentration at 6.68%. In conclusion, a combination of 16-hour maceration followed by 3-hour reflux using 80% ethanol was found to be optimal for andrographolide extraction. Longer reflux times are not recommended due to the ability to decrease andrographolide levels. These results underscore the importance of optimizing extraction time to improve the efficiency and yield of active compound.