Bioassay Evaluation Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content, and Total Flavonoid Content in Blumea balsamifera Leaves under Different Environmental Conditions
Abstract
Blumea balsamifera is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine and known for its bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. This study evaluated the effect of different environmental conditions on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of B. balsamifera leaf extracts collected from coastal (PB-1; 25 m asl) and non-coastal areas (AG-1; 108 m asl) in Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Leaf extracts were prepared by methanol maceration. TPC and TFC were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results showed that AG-1 had higher TPC and TFC values, reaching 237.9 mg GAE/g extract and 35.89 mg QE/g extract, respectively, whereas PB-1 exhibited stronger antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 6.839 µg/mL. Environmental analysis indicated that AG-1 had higher light intensity and near-neutral soil pH, while PB-1 had more acidic soil conditions. These findings indicate that environmental factors influence secondary metabolite accumulation and antioxidant activity in B. balsamifera. Non-coastal environments promoted higher phenolic and flavonoid accumulation, whereas coastal environments enhanced antioxidant activity.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Akpan-Idiok, A. U., & Solomon, M. G. (2012). Bacterial isolates of the mangrove swamp soils in cross river estuary, south-east Nigeria. Reseacrch Journal of Soil Biology, 4(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjsb.2012.32.41
Alam, P., Faizan, M., Arif, Y., Azzam, M. M., Hayat, S., Afzal, S., & Albalawi, T. (2025). Reactive oxygen species: balancing agents in plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16(December), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1713590
Anwar, K., Fahmi, A., Saleh, M., Khairullah, I., Rumanti, I. A., & Alwi, M. (2024). Coastal Acid-Sulfate Soils of Kalimantan, Indonesia. Encyclopedia.Pub Coastal, 1–18.
Chandimali, N., Bak, S. G., Park, E. H., Lim, H., Won, Y., Kim, E., & Lee, S. J. (2025). Free radicals and their impact on health and antioxidant defenses : a review. Cell Death Discovery, 11(19), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-024-02278-8.
Chaouqi, S., Moratalla-López, N., Alonso, G. L., Lorenzo, C., Zouahri, A., Asserar, N., Haidar, E. M., & Guedira, T. (2023). Effect of soil composition on secondary metabolites of Moroccan Saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Plants, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040711.
Chen, L., Jiang, L., Han, X., Zhang, R., Zhao, F., Fan, G., Li, Y., Han, W., Chen, W., & Chen, X. (2026). The effectiveness and potential regulatory mechanism of Blumea balsamifera derived extracellular vesicles in promoting burn wound healing. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 14, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2026.1756718.
Chen, Y., Huang, L., Liang, X., Dai, P., Zhang, Y., Li, B., Lin, X., & Sun, C. (2020). Enhancement of polyphenolic metabolism as an adaptive response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) roots to aluminum stress. Environmental Pollution, 261, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114230
Du, J., Gao, Q., Sun, F., Liu, B., Jiao, Y., & Liu, Q. (2025). Agricultural soil microbiomes at the climate frontier: Nutrient-mediated adaptation strategies for sustainable farming. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 295, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118161
Ginting, B., Mustanir, Nurdin, Maulidna, Murniana, & Safrina. (2021). Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activity of myristica fragrans houtt. bark. Pharmacognosy Journal, 13(3), 780–786. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2021.13.99
Giulietti, S., Bigini, V., & Savatin, D. V. (2024). ROS and RNS production, subcellular localization, and signaling triggered by immunogenic danger signals. Journal of Experimental Botany, 75(15), 4512–4534. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erad449
Górniak, I., Bartoszewski, R., & Króliczewski, J. (2019). Comprehensive review of antimicrobial activities of plant flavonoids. In Phytochemistry Reviews (Vol. 18, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-018-9591-z
Gulcin, ?. (2025). Antioxidants : a comprehensive review. Archives of Toxicology, 99, 1893–1997. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-025-03997-2
Hasanuzzaman, M., Bhuyan, M. H. M. B., Zulfiqar, F., Raza, A., Mohsin, S. M., Al Mahmud, J., Fujita, M., & Fotopoulos, V. (2020). Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense in plants under abiotic stress: Revisiting the crucial role of a universal defense regulator. Antioxidants, 9(8), 1–52. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9080681
Hossain, M. S., Wazed, M. A., Asha, S., Amin, M. R., & Shimul, I. M. (2025). Dietary phytochemicals in health and disease: mechanisms, clinical evidence, and applications—a comprehensive review. Food Science and Nutrition, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70101
Indriaty, Djufri, Ginting, B., & Hasballah, K. (2023). Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Rhizophoraceae methanol extract from Langsa , Aceh , Indonesia. Biodiversitas, 24(5), 2865–2876. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d240541
Ismail, N. A., Matawali, A., Kanak, F. A., Lee, P. C., How, S. E., Goh, L. P. W., & Gansau, J. A. (2022). Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical properties of Blumea balsamifera against pathogenic microorganisms. Journal of Medicine and Life, 15(8), 951–954. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2021-0296
Kusumawati, I. G. A. W., Atikawati., Putra, I. M. W., & Yogeswara, I. B. . (2022). Antioxidant activity and ?-amylase inhibitory of herbal drink from the combination of Blumea balsamifera L and Coccinia grandis L. Food Research, 6(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.6(4).524
Kusumawati, I. G. A. W., Reyunika, I. N., Yogeswara, I. B. A., Mustika, I. G., Adi Putra, I. M. W., Santoso, U., & Marsono, Y. (2019). Effect of loloh sembung (Blumea balsamifera) maturity stage on antioxidant activity. Jurnal Gizi Dan Dietetik Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics), 6(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.21927/ijnd.2018.6(1).1-6
Lee, J. H., Tanaka, S., & Goto, E. (2022). Growth and biosynthesis of phenolic compounds of Canola (Brassica napus L.) to different ultraviolet (UV)?B wavelengths in a plant factory with artificial light. Plants, 11(13), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131732
Lisjak, M., Špoljarevi?, M., Ravli?, J., Lon?ari?, Z., & Gali?, L. (2026). Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity: Analytical methods and current knowledge—A review. Methods and Protocols, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/mps9020060
Masyudi, Hanafiah, M., Rinidar, Usman, S., & Marlina. (2022). Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds of Blumea balsamifera leaf extracts from South Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas, 23(3), 1346–1354. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d230319
Masyudi, Noviyanti, A., Ridhwan, M., Nurman, S., Jailani, Armi, Rafsanjani, T. M., Usman, S., Hanafiah, M., & Marlina. (2023). Antibacterial activity of Blumea balsamifera leaf extracts from Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas, 24(8), 4584–4589. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d240862
Mohammadi, K., Heidari, G., Khalesro, S., & Sohrabi, Y. (2011). Soil management, microorganisms and organic matter interactions: A review. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(86), 19840–19849. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJBX11.006
Mohammadi, N., dos Santos Lima, A., Azevedo, L., & Granato, D. (2024). Bridging the gap in antioxidant activity of flavonoids: Correlating the oxidation of human plasma with chemical and cellular assays. Current Research in Food Science, 8, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100714
Muscolo, A., Mariateresa, O., Giulio, T., & Mariateresa, R. (2024).
Oxidative stress: The role of antioxidant phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063264
Mwamatope, B., Tembo, D., Chikowe, I., Kampira, E., & Nyirenda, C. (2020). Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Senna discolor herbal plants. Scientific African, 9, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00481
Nazari, M., Ghasemi-Soloklui, A. A., Kordrostami, M., & Abdel Latef, A. A. H. (2023). Deciphering the response of medicinal plants to abiotic stressors: A focus on drought and salinity. Plant Stress, 10(October). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2023.100255
Nwozo, O. S., Effiong, E. M., Aja, P. M., & Awuchi, C. G. (2023). Antioxidant, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties of medicinal plants: a review. International Journal of Food Properties, 26(1), 359–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2022.2157425
Omac, M. G., Along, A. A., Ligalig, R. J., Rosal, J. J., & Almadin, J. F. (2021). Medicinal plants used by the local communities of Sitio Lomboyan, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Annals of Studies in Science and Humanities, 3(1), 1–14.
Pang, Y., Wang, D., Fan, Z., Chen, X., Yu, F., Hu, X., Wang, K., & Yuan, L. (2014). Blumea balsamifera- A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Molecules, 19(7), 9453–9477. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19079453
Pant, P., Pandey, S., & Dall’Acqua, S. (2021). The influence of environmental conditions on secondary metabolites in medicinal plants: a literature review. Chemistry and Biodiversity, 18(11), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202100345
Phuyal, N., Jha, P. K., Raturi, P. P., & Rajbhandary, S. (2020). Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of fruit, seed, and bark extracts of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. The Scientific World Journal, 2020(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8780704
Pooja, G., Shweta, S., & Patel, P. (2025). Oxidative stress and free radicals in disease pathogenesis: a review. Discover Medicine, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44337-025-00303-y
Qaderi, M. M., Martel, A. B., & Strugnell, C. A. (2023). Environmental factors regulate plant secondary metabolites. Plants, 12(3), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030447
Rice-Evans, C. A., Miller, N. J., & Paganga, G. (1997). Antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds. Trends in Plant Science, 2(4), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1360-1385(97)01018-2
Russo, G., Curcio, F., Bulli, G., Aran, L., Della-morte, D., Testa, G., Cacciatore, F., Bonaduce, D., & Abete, P. (2018). Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 13, 757–772.
Šamec, D., Karalija, E., Šola, I., Vuj?i? Bok, V., & Salopek-Sondi, B. (2021). The role of polyphenols in abiotic stress response: The influence of molecular structure. Plants, 10(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010118
Singla, R. K., Dubey, A. K., Garg, A., Sharma, R. K., Fiorino, M., Ameen, S. M., Haddad, M. A., & Al-Hiary, M. (2019). Natural polyphenols: Chemical classification, definition of classes, subcategories, and structures. Journal of AOAC International, 102(5), 1397–1400. https://doi.org/10.5740/jaoacint.19-0133
Truong, D., Nguyen, D. H., Thuy, N., Ta, A., Bui, A. V., & Do, T. H. (2019). Evaluation of the use of different solvents for phytochemical constituents , antioxidants , and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of Severinia buxifolia. Journal of Food Quality, 2019, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8178294
Vaghela, N., & Gohel, S. (2022). Medicinal plant?associated rhizobacteria enhance the production of pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds under abiotic stress conditions. Journal of Basic Miicrobiology, 1, 1–18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202200361
VanZomeren, C., Berkowitz, J., Piercy, C., & King, J. (2020). Acid sulfate soils in coastal environments : a review of basic concepts and implications for restoration. Engineer Research and Development Center, 20, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.21079/11681/38240
Wang, D., Yang, T., Li, Y., Deng, F., Dong, S., Li, W., He, Y., Zhang, J., & Zou, L. (2022). Light intensity—a key factor affecting flavonoid content and expression of key enzyme genes of flavonoid synthesis in Tartary Buckwheat. Plants, 11(16), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162165
Wang, J., He, H., Zhou, Z., Bai, L., She, X., He, L., He, Y., & Tan, D. (2023). Chemical constituents and bioactivities of Blumea balsamifera (Sembung): a systematic review. Food Science and Technology (Brazil), 43, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.132322
Widhiantara, I. G., & Jawi, I. M. (2021). Phytochemical composition and health properties of Lycium europaeum L.: A review. Veterinary World, 41(5), 390–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHNAES.2020.09.008
Widhiantara, I. G., Permatasari, A. A. A. P., Rosiana, I. W., Wiradana, P. A., Widiastini, L. P., & Jawi, I. M. (2021). Antihypercholesterolemic and Antioxidant Effects of Blumea balsamifera L. Leaf Extracts to Maintain Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Rats Induced by High-Cholesterol Diets. Indonesian Biomedical Journal, 13(4), 396–402. https://doi.org/10.18585/INABJ.V13I4.1694
Yahya, M., Ginting, B., & Saidi, N. (2021). In-vitro screenings for biological and antioxidant activities of water extract from Theobroma cacao L . Pod Husk : potential utilization in foods. Molecules, 26(6915), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26226915
Yang, L., Li, W. C., Fu, F. L., Qu, J., Sun, F., Yu, H., & Zhang, J. (2022). Characterization of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase genes facilitating flavonoid biosynthesis from two species of medicinal plant Anoectochilus. PeerJ, 10, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13614
Yang, L., Wen, K. S., Ruan, X., Zhao, Y. X., Wei, F., & Wang, Q. (2018). Response of plant secondary metabolites to environmental factors. Molecules, 23(4), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040762
Zargoosh, Z., Ghavam, M., Bacchetta, G., & Tavili, A. (2019). Effects of ecological factors on the antioxidant potential and total phenol content of Scrophularia striata Boiss. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52605-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2026.152.1951-1959
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Indriaty, Guswarni Pranata, Ekariana S. Pandia, Hasbi Assidiqi Nasution
Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry |




