Isolation and Characterization of α-Cellulose From Beluntas Leaves (

\nMicrocrystalline cellulose (MCC) is one of the pharmaceutical ingredients that is imported it is used as a binder in the manufacture of tablet drugs. The residue of Beluntas (Pluchea indica L) leaf extract is rarely used. This study aims to find out whether α-cellulose from beluntas leaf residue can be hydrolyzed into MCC and the characteristics of the MCC. α-cellulose was isolated using the Kraft method, then chemically hydrolyzed using 3.5 N HCl to obtain microcrystalline cellulose. Qualitative analysis of MCC includes organoleptic test, precipitation reaction using zinc chloride, and FTIR while physical evaluation includes pH and solubility. The α-cellulose obtained was 28.63 g from 150 g with a yield of 19.09%, while the MCC produced was 8.41 g (88.08%). Qualitative analysis of MCC from the residue of blunts leaf has shown similarity with the reference (Avicel PH 101). At the same time, the pH and solubility fulfilled the requirements of The United States Pharmacopoeia 2007. α-cellulose of Beluntas residue can be used for MCC preparation with the similar. Based on the qualitative analysis MCC from the residue of beluntas leaf has shown similar characteristics to reference (Avicel PH 101).\n