ANALYSIS OF TRITERPENOIDS IN ETHANOL EXTRACT OF GOTULA LEAVES (Centella asiatica (L) Urban) WITH N-HEXANE ELUENT ANDETHYL ACETATE BY THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract

Background: Centella Asiatica (L.) Urban, commonly known as gotu kola, contains various bioactive compounds, one of which is triterpenoid. This compound plays an important role in pharmacological activities such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Identifying these compounds is essential as a basis for developing herbal medicines. Objective: To identify the presence of triterpenoid compounds in 70% ethanol extract of gotu kola leaves from Tawangmangu using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) method. Method: The 70% ethanol extract was analyzed using TLC with two eluent systems: n-hexane:ethyl acetate (4:1) and ethyl acetate:n-hexane (4:1). Detection was based on spot color observation and Rf values. Results: The eluent n-hexane:ethyl acetate produced purple-red spots with an Rf value of 0.75, while the eluent ethyl acetate:n-hexane produced purple spots with an Rf value of 0.77. The appearance of these colors indicates a positive result for triterpenoids. Conclusion: The 70% ethanol extract of Centella Asiatica leaves tested positive for the presence of triterpenoid compounds. Implication: These findings support the potential of gotu kola leaves as a basic material for phytopharmaceutical formulations containing triterpenoids and encourage further research on the isolation and biological activity of these compounds.