Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Content of CoconutRoot Extract (Cocos nucifera Radix) Through In VitroPhytochemical Screening

Abstract

Indonesia has abundant medicinal plant biodiversity that can be developed as raw materials for traditional and modern pharmaceutical preparations. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) roots are empirically used in the community, but their active chemical constituents require scientific verification. This study aimed to evaluate the secondary metabolite content of coconut root extract (Cocos nucifera Radix) through in vitro phytochemical screening. Coconut roots were extracted by cold maceration using 96% ethanol. A total of 250 g of coconut root simplicia was macerated with 1500 mL of solvent for 3 x 24 hours, followed by filtration and solvent evaporation to obtain a concentrated extract. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using specific reagents, including Dragendorff, Mayer, and Wagner tests for alkaloids, FeCl3 for tannins, magnesium-HCl for flavonoids, foam test for saponins, and Liebermann-Burchard reaction for steroids and triterpenoids. The extract showed positive results for tannins and alkaloids based on Dragendorff and Wagner tests, characterized by blackish coloration and brown precipitate formation. Negative results were obtained for alkaloids using Mayer reagent, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids. These findings indicate that coconut root extract contains tannin and certain alkaloid compounds, while other tested secondary metabolite groups were not detected under the applied qualitative conditions. Further quantitative and bioactivity studies are recommended to confirm its pharmacological potential.