Phyllanthus niruri and Mimosa pudica are herbal plants that have been traditionally used as medicine to treat

numerous ailments. This study has identified the major phytochemicals and quantified the total phenolic

content (TPC) in the ethanolic extract of the plants. Plant samples were collected from several locations in

Kuching, Sarawak. They were cleaned, dried, and ground prior for analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed

the presence of alkaloids, saponins, protein, amino acids, tannins, and flavonoids in P. niruri extract, while

plants

Phyllanthus niruri is a small annual herb that can grows up to 30-60 cm tall with branched stem at the base and

abundant oblong leaves. This plant belongs to Phyllanthaceae family and it grows naturally throughout the

tropical and subtropical regions of the world including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India [1].

In Malaysia, P. niruri is known as ‘dukong anak’and has been traditionally used to treat cough and kidney

disorders [2]. In other regions, P. niruri has also been used in traditional medicine in the management of wide

range of ailments including jaundice, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis [3][4].

Mimosa pudica belongs to Fabaceae family and it is an annual/perennial herb that grows in trail. The plant

consists of prickly stems and fern-like leaves that gets sensitive when touched. The common name of M.

sustaining unique traditions, languages, and ethnomedicinal knowledge. Although modern medicine is readily

accessible nowadays, traditional medicinal practices are still persevered in some villages across Sarawak [7].

P. niruri and M. pudica are among the plants that are still being used as traditional medicine by the local

communities. A wide range of bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and

saponins can be found in these plants, which contribute to their pharmacological properties [8][9]. However,

the quality and pharmacological activity or herbal plants are often influenced by their geographical origin,

including plant variety and growth conditions [10]. Therefore, this study aims to identify the phytochemicals

and the total phenolic content in the ethanolic extract of P. niruri and M. pudica plants collected from Kuching,

Sarawak.

The plant extracts were stored in the refrigerator for further analysis.

Several tests were performed to determine the presence of alkaloids, sugar, carbohydrates, glycosides,

saponins, protein, amino acids, tannins, steroids, and flavonoids.

extracts. Wagner’s reagent was prepared using 1.27g of iodine powder and 2g of potassium iodide solid. The

solids were then dissolved in 5 ml of distilled water and slightly stirred. Distilled water was added to make up

reagent. The expected result shows in reddish-brown precipitate, indicating positive results [11]. In the iodine

test, 3 ml of extract solution was poured into a test tube, then a few drops of iodine solution were added into

filtrate was poured into a clean test tube. Two drops of alcoholic solution of alpha-naphthol were added then

the mixture was shaken well. 1 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid was added by slowly sliding along the side of

the test tube and allowing it to stand until violet rings appeared, which showed the presence of carbohydrates

[13].

A ferric chloride solution was poured into the plant extract. The extract was then boiled for 5 minutes and let

cooled. An equal amount of benzene was added into the same test tube until a separation layer appeared. The

separated layer was added to an ammonia solution. The color change was predicted to change from rose pink

to red which indicates the presence of glycosides [12].

When the pink color appears, it shows the presence of protein [11].

of plant extract was poured into a test tube. A few drops of 0.1% ferric chloride were added to the test tube

until the mixture turned brownish-green or blue-black, proving the presence of tannins [14].

Approximately 5 ml of diluted ammonia solution was added to the plant extract in a test tube. Concentrated

H

SO

was also added until the coloration occurs. When the yellow color disappeared, a few drops of 1%

aluminum solution were added to the test tube [15].

Approximately 2 ml of acetic anhydride was added to a few ml of plant extract, and 2 ml of H

SO

was also

prepared, and the results were expressed as mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g dry extract.

The qualitative phytochemical analysis for P. niruri and M. pudica was done to detect the presence of

alkaloids, saponins, tannins, sugar and carbohydrates, glycosides, protein, amino acids, flavonoids, and

From the result, we can see that P. niruri has tested positive in certain tests which include the emulsion

formation test to detect saponins, the Biuret test to detect protein and amino acid, and the ammonia test to

detect flavonoids. Comparing it to a test conducted in Punjab, known to be the origin of this plant, they have

tested that P. niruri contains saponins and flavonoids, the same as our obtained result [18]. They have also

discovered the presence of alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids available in this plant. In addition, we have

discovered that P. niruri also contains protein and amino acids as the tests were shown to be positive. However,

phytochemicals contained in M. pudica. Besides, it may also appear in small amounts, where the test we

quite large amounts of phenolics, which may leave many benefits towards human health, and it has also been

proven that it is beneficial to cure certain types of diseases.

17. Ramandeep, K., Nahid, A., Neelabh, C., & Navneet, K. (2017). Phytochemical Screening of

Phyllanthus niruri collected from Kerala Region and its Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 9(8), 1312-1316.