Biochemical Analysis of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) Leaf Extract Collected from Laoang, Northern Samar, Philippines

Abstract

Melia azedarach belongs to the Meliaceae family and is known by various names, such as Chinaberry, ride of India, Bead-tree, Cape lilac, Persian lilac. It is commonly found in warmer and tropical regions, including Southeast Asia and various other parts of the world. The leaves, bark, stem and roots have a medicinal application and effective against the herpes simplex virus. This study focuses on the characterization of bioactive potential of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) leaf extract. Physical properties were determined in terms of color, odor, solubility, boiling point, density, and pH.  Furthermore, the secondary metabolites were determined in terms of alkaloids, phenols, tannin, saponin, and phenolic compound. Likewise, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is used to determine the functional group present on the leaf extract. Lastly, to determine the bioactive potential of Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) leaf extract Ultraviolet Visible (UV-vis) Spectrophotometer was used.  Result showed that Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) has a yellow green color with a pleasant odor, miscible with ethanol and water, immiscible with benzene, lower boiling point than water, less dense than water and a pH which is moderately acidic. Furthermore, a positive result showed in phytochemical screening for alkaloids, phenols, tannin, saponin and phenolic compound, which implies that the plant sample can be used as antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. Subsequently, FTIR and UV-vis analysis showed a positive result for the determination of functional group and bioactive potential among secondary metabolites which means that it is possible for the application in developing therapeutic medicines and in developing natural remedies. Therefore, the findings of this study will benefits the whole scientific community since it would provide added information and evidences as possible application for the development of pharmaceutical medicine. Furthermore, this study is beneficial to the whole scientific community since it would provide added information about the characterization of bioactive potential present in these leaf extract. It also, provides alternative treatments for common health issues particularly in communities that are in far-flung areas with limited access to modern healthcare. Overall, this compound simplifies treatments, may lower healthcare costs, and significantly improves quality of life.