Chemical Characterization of Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) Extract by Uv–Vis Spectrophotometry and HPLC, and Its Antibacterial Activity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25077/jrk.v17i2.949

Keywords:

Katechin, Tannin, Gambier, Ethyl acetate, phenolic, HPLC

Abstract

Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) is a major commodity of West Sumatra and is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly catechins and tannins. This study aimed to extract and chemically characterize the leaves, twigs, pure gambir, and crude gambir using water and ethyl acetate, and to evaluate their antibacterial activity. Pure gambir and crude gambir were extracted by Soxhlet extraction using water and ethyl acetate, whereas leaves and twigs were extracted using water and ethyl acetate. Secondary metabolites were identified through phytochemical screening. Catechin content was determined using UV–Vis spectrophotometry and further confirmed by HPLC, while tannin content was determined by HPLC and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Total phenolic content was analyzed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antibacterial activity of the crude gambir ethyl acetate extract was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using the disk diffusion method. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of pure gambir produced the highest extraction yield (98.62%) and the highest catechin content by UV–Vis spectrophotometry (78.24%), whereas HPLC showed a catechin concentration of 924.09 µg/mL. The highest tannin content, expressed as gallic acid equivalent response, was observed in the ethyl acetate extract of crude gambir (28.66 µg/mL), with a total phenolic content of 114.86 mg GAE/g. Phytochemical screening indicated that all samples contained phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate extract of crude gambir inhibited both bacterial strains, producing inhibition zones of 6.79–8.37 mm, classified as moderate antibacterial activity overall.

Author Biographies

Herri Myzani, Research and Development Agency of West Sumatra Province

The author is a researcher at the West Sumatra Province Research and Development Agency, focusing on agriculture and the environment.

Suryati, Chemistry Department of Andalas University, Padang

Prof.Dr.Dra. Suryati, MSi is Professor of Natural Products Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Andalas. He is actively involved in teaching and researching the potential of essential oils from local plants in West Sumatra

Suhendarty, Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency of Kaur Regency, Bengkulu

Suhendarty is a prospective researcher at the Regional Planning, Development, Research, and Innovation Agency of Kaur Regency, Bengkulu

References

1. Nasution, AH., Asmarantaka, RW dan Baga, L. Efisiensi pemasaran gambir di kabupaten lima puluh kota, sumatera barat. Buletin Ilmiah Litbang Perdagangan. 9(2): 221-240 (2015).

2. Widiyarti, G., Sundowo, A., Filailla, E and Laksmono, JA. The mechanically extraction process from leaves and twigs of gambier (Uncaria gambier Roxb) and its antioxidant activity. J. Pure App. Chem.Res. 9(1): 8-15 (2020).

3. Badan Pusat Statistik Sumatera Barat. Provinsi Sumatera Barat dalam Angka (2025).

4. Malik, D., Aflizar, Afner, SOG., Fukuda, A.Masunaga, T. Socio economical evaluation of uncaria gambir cultivation systems in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Tropics. 29(3): 77-87 (2020).

5. Ferdinal, N.,Nazir, N. Phytochemical screening and fractionation of gambier (Uncaria gambier). The Journal of Biomaterial Chemistry. 1(1): 23-26 (2013).

6. Rauf, A., Rahmawaty, Siregar, AZ The condition of uncaria gambir roxb. as one of important medicinal plants in north sumatra indonesia. Procedia Chemistry. 14: 3 – 10 (2015).

7. Ferdinal, N. A simple purification method of catechin from gambier. Int.J. on Adv Sci Engg Inform Tech. 4(6): 53 – 55 (2014).

8. Anggraini, T., Rini, Aini, L. The extraction of gambier by using ultrasonic assisted at various temperature. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Env. Sci. 757: 012058 (2021)

9. Monica, S., & Husna, Z.Antibacterial activity test of (+)- katekin and gambir (uncaria gambier roxb.) against some types of grambled bacteries negative bacteria and their mechanism. International Journal on Health and Medical Sciences, 1(1): 29–37 (2022).

10. Kasim, A., Asben, A., Mutiar, S. Kajian kualitas gambir dan hubungannya dengan karakteristik kulit tersamak. Majalah Kulit, Karet dan Plastik. 31(1): 55-64 (2015).

11. Arumsari, A.G. Analysis of catechins in gambir west sumatra. ARRUS J of Engg and Tech, 1(2): 47-54 (2021).

12. Sovira, GDJ., Mariam, M.S., Satari, M.H. Antimicrobial properties of various solvents combinations for phytochemical fraction derived from Uncaria gambier extract against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry. 33(1): 32-38 (2021).

13. Yunarto, N., Elya, B.,Konadi, L. Potensi fraksi etil asetat ekstrak daun gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) sebagai antihiperlipidemia. Jurnal Kefarmasian Indonesia. 5(1): 1-10 (2015).

14. Munggari, IP., Kurnia,D., Deawati, Y and Julaeha, E. Current research of phytochemical, medicinal and non-medicinal uses of Uncaria gambir Roxb.: A Review. Molecules. 27:6551 (2022).

15. Yeni, G., Syamsu, K.,Suparno, O., Mardliyati, E. and Muchtar, H. Repeated extraction process of raw gambiers (Uncaria gambier Robx.) for the catechin production as an antioxidant. International J. of Applied Engineering Research. 9(24): 24565-24578 (2014).

16. Anova, IT., dan Yeni, G. Rasio pelarut etanol dan etil asetat pada proses ekstraksi terhadap karakteristik katekin dari gambir. Jurnal Litbang Industri. 10(2): 121 – 127 (2020).

17. Fakhruzy, Kasim, A., Asben, A., Anwar, A. The effect of microwave time and power on the tannin extraction process from gambier (uncaria gambir roxb.) using the microwave assisted extraction (MAE) Method. J.of Appl Agr. Sci and Tech. 9(2): 276-285 (2025).

18. Awaliyan, HMR., Rosamah, E. dan Sukaton, E. Karakteristik tanin dari ekstrak kulit kayu leda (Eucalyptus deglupta Blume.). Jurnal Hutan Tropik. 1(1): 16-28 (2017).

19. Evalia, NA., Sa’id, E.G., dan Suryana, RN. Strategi pengembangan agroindustri dan peningkatan nilai tambah gambir di Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota Sumatera Barat. Jurnal Manajemen & Agribisnis, 9(3): 173-182 (2012).

20. Sa’id, E.G., Syamsu, K., Mardiyati, E., Herryanie, A., Evalia, NA., Rahayu, DL., Puspitarini, Ahyaruddin, Hadiwijono, A. Agroindustri dan Bisnis Gambir di Indonesia. IPB Press (2009).

21. Yeni, G., Khaswar Syamsu, Mardliyati, E. dan Muchtar, H. Penentuan teknologi proses pembuatan gambir murni dan katekin terstandar dari gambir asalan. Jurnal Litbang Industri, 7 (1): 1-10 (2017).

22. Rahman, ED., Sari, E., Burmawi, Frizka, Endah. Determination of extraction process conditions of gambier catechin (uncaria gambier roxb) from Solok Bio-Bio Lima Puluh Kota District – West Sumatera. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 316 (2018).

23. Satria, D., Eranisa, Y,.Arel, A. Rapid detection and quantification of gambir adulteration using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis. J. Ris. Kim. 16(2): 108-121 (2025).

24. Rohima, N., Syahardi, A dan Ibnusina, F. Analisis faktor penyebab fluktuasi harga gambir pada tingkat petani di Nagari Harau Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. Jurnal Agri Sains. 9 (1): 61-71 (2025).

25. Nawaz, H., Shad, MA., Najiha Rehman, N., Andaleeb, H., Ullah, N. Effect of solvent polarity on extraction yield and antioxidant properties of phytochemicals from bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. Braz. J. Pharm. Sci. 56:17129: 1-9 (2020).

26. Muhamad, N., Muhmed, S.A., Yusoffand, M.M., Gimbun, J. Influence of solvent polarity and conditions on extraction of antioxidant, flavonoids and phenolic content from averrhoa bilimbi. J of Food Sci and Eng. 4: 255-260 (2014).

27. Dewi, JR., Estiasih, T. dan Murtini, ES. Aktivitas anti oksidan dedak sorgum lokal varietas coklat (sorghum bicolor) hasil ekstraksi berbagai pelarut. Jurnal Teknologi Pertanian, 8(3): 188-197 (2007).

28. Rauf, R., Santoso, U., Suparmo. Aktivitas penangkapan radikal DPPH ekstrak gambir (Uncaria gambir roxb.). Agritech, 30(1). (2010).

29. Isnawati, A., Raini, M., Sampurno, O.D Mutiatikum, D., Widowati, L., Gitawati, R. Karakterisasi tiga jenis ekstrak gambir ((uncaria gambir roxb) dari Sumatera Barat. Bul. Penelit. Kesehat, 40(4): 201–208 (2012).

30. Herdiana, I., Aji, N. Fraksinasi ekstrak daun sirih dan ekstrak gambir serta uji antibakteri streptococcus mutans. Jurnal Kesehatan Ilmiah. 19(3): 100-106 (2020).

31. Muchtar, H., Yeni, G., Hermianti, W., Diza, Y.H., Pembuatan konsentrat polifenol gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb) sebagai bahan antioksidan pangan. J. Ris. Ind. 4(2): 71–82 (2010).

32. Damanik. D., Surbakti, N., & Hasibuan, R. Ekstraksi katekin dari daun gambir (Uncaria gambir roxb) dengan metode maserasi. Jurnal Teknik Kimia USU, 3 (2) : 10-14 (2014).

33. Kurniatri, A.A., Sulistyaningrum, N., Rustanti, L. Purifikasi katekin dari ekstrak gambir (uncaria gambir roxb.). Media Litbangkes, 29(2): 153 – 160 (2019).

34. Kassim, M.J., Hussin, M.H., Achmad, N.,Dahon, H., Suan, K., Hamdan, S., Determination of total phenol, condensed tannin and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of uncaria gambir extracts. Majalah Farmasi Indonesia. 22(1): 50-59 (2011).

35. Sakti, AS., Saputri, FC., Mun’im, A. Microscopic Characters, Phytochemical screening focus on alkaloid and total phenolic content of uncaria gambir roxb. and uncaria sclerophylla roxb. leaves. Pharmacognosy Journal. 11(1):119-123 (2019).

36. Ibrahim N, Mohd Yusoff NZ, Ahmad R. Quantification of catechin in leaves and stems of malaysian Uncaria gambir (hunter) roxb. by HPLC-DAD. Malaysian J Anal Sci.; 20(3):567–72 (2016).

37. Hersila, N., Chatri, M., Vauzia, & Irdawati. Senyawa metabolit sekunder (tanin) pada tanaman sebagai antifungi. Jurnal Embrio, 15, 16–22 (2023).

38. Daglia, M. Polyphenols as antimicrobial agents. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 23(2) : 174–181 (2012)

39. Davis, W. W., & Stout, T. R. Disc plate method of microbiological antibiotic assay. I. Factors influencing variability and error. Applied Microbiology, 22(4): 659–665 (1971).

40. Eloff, J. N. Avoiding pitfalls in determining antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and publishing the results. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 106 (2019)

41. Marlina, P. Pemanfaatan Gambir (Uncaria Gambir Roxb) sebagai Antioksidan dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Umur Simpan Minyak Goreng. Jurnal Dinamika Penelitian Industri, 21(1) (2010)

42. Melia, S., Novia, D., & Juliyarsi, I. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb) Extracts and Their Application in Rendang. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 14(12 SE-Research Article) : 938–941(2015).

43. Uyun, H. S. K., Putra, P. M., Suhardana, G., Bellatasie, R., Wiliantari, S., Fajrina, A., & Ramadhani, P.. Extraction of Gambier using the boiling method and antibacterial activity test. Riset Informasi Kesehatan, 14(2): 276–282 (2025).

44. Taniguchi, S., Kuroda, K., Doi, K.-I., Inada, K., Yoshikado, N., Yoneda, Y., Tanabe, M., Shibata, T., Yoshida, T., & Hatano, T. Evaluation of gambir quality based on quantitative analysis of polyphenolic constituents. Yakugaku Zasshi, 127(8), 1291–1300 (2007).

Downloads

Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

Kusuma, D. W., Myzani, H., Suryati, Nizar, U. K., & Suhendarty. (2026). Chemical Characterization of Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) Extract by Uv–Vis Spectrophotometry and HPLC, and Its Antibacterial Activity. Jurnal Riset Kimia, 17(2), 21–40. https://doi.org/10.25077/jrk.v17i2.949

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2026): September

Section

Articles

Citation Check

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Please find the rights and licenses in Jurnal Riset Kimia (J. Ris. Kim). By submitting the article/manuscript of the article, the author(s) agree with this policy. No specific document sign-off is required.

1. License

The use the article will be governed by the Creative Commons Attribution license as currently displayed on Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

2. Author(s)' Warranties

The author warrants that the article is original, written by stated author(s), has not been published before, contains no unlawful statements, does not infringe the rights of others, is subject to copyright that is vested exclusively in the author and free of any third party rights, and that any necessary written permissions to quote from other sources have been obtained by the author(s).

3. User Rights

Under the Creative Commons license, the journal permits users to copy, distribute, and display the material for any purpose. Users will also need to attribute authors and J. Ris. Kim on distributing works in the journal and other media of publications.

4. Rights of Authors

Authors retain all their rights to the published works, such as (but not limited to) the following rights;

  • Copyright and other proprietary rights relating to the article, such as patent rights,
  • The right to use the substance of the article in own future works, including lectures and books,
  • The right to reproduce the article for own purposes,
  • The right to self-archive the article,
  • The right to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the article's published version (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.

5. Co-Authorship

If the article was jointly prepared by more than one author, any authors submitting the manuscript warrants that he/she has been authorized by all co-authors to be agreed on this copyright and license notice (agreement) on their behalf, and agrees to inform his/her co-authors of the terms of this policy. J. Ris. Kim will not be held liable for anything that may arise due to the author(s) internal dispute. J. Ris. Kim will only communicate with the corresponding author.

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.