Exploration of antioxidant metabolites in Minnie root (Ruellia tuberosa L.) leaves

Minnie root (Ruellia tuberosa L.) is a medicinal plant known for its various therapeutic uses. The leaf extract of Minnie root contains secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and saponins, which exhibit antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to analyze the abundance of metabolite compounds, antioxidant levels, and antioxidant metabolites in Minnie root leaves using GC-MS analysis. Additionally, the study explores the antioxidant metabolites present in the ethanol extract of Minnie root leaves through various online databases. The results revealed that the ethanol extract of Minnie root leaves contained 17 compounds, with 9 of them identified as antioxidant metabolites, constituting 72.38% of the total compounds. Some of the antioxidant bioactive compounds identified include D-limonene and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The antioxidant concentration in Minnie root leaves was measured at is 99.480 ± 8.224 ppm using ascorbic acid standards and 133.500 ± 7.912 ppm using quercetin standards. Further research is necessary to explore other potential bioactivities of Minnie root leaf metabolites, such as their antidiabetic properties, for developing herbal medicines.