Phytochemical Testing, Antioxidant Activity and Determination of Specific and Non-Specific Parameters of Secang Wood Extract (Caesalpinia sappan L.)

Caesalpinia sappan L., commonly known as sappanwood, has been used in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia for centuries. The objective was to clarify the sappanwood extract's phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, specific and non-specific parameters. The extraction was performed via maceration using 96% ethanol as the solvent. Phytochemical screening to identify the presence Phytochemical content. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, yielding an impressive activity of 80%, comparable to the positive control, vitamin C. Phytochemical screening identifed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolics, while saponins and tannins were notably absent. Specific parameters, including total phenolic content, were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while non-specific parameters encompassed moisture content (11%), extract yield (20%), neutral pH (6), and density (0.7 g/cm³). The physical characteristics of sappanwood were described as cylindrical, measuring approximately 10 cm in diameter and 1 m in length, with a reddish-brown to dark red hue and a rough, porous texture. Importantly, the extract was found to be free from hazardous heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and chromium. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential of sappanwood as a safe and beneficial natural resource for health and industrial applications