Isolation and Identification of Saponin Compounds from the Butanol Extract of Majapahit Leaves (Crescentia cujete) Using Thin Layer Chromatography and Infrared Spectrophotometry

Abstrak

This study aimed to isolate and identify saponin compounds from the butanol extract of Majapahit leaves (Crescentia cujete) collected from Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The research employed experimental methods including extraction by maceration using methanol, followed by partition with n-butanol. Preliminary identification was conducted through foam test and color reaction, while separation and purification were carried out using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (PTLC). Further identification of the isolated compounds was performed using Infrared (IR) spectrophotometry. The results showed that the butanol extract produced a pure isolate with an Rf value of approximately 0.6, indicating the presence of saponin compounds. This was supported by positive foam test results and characteristic IR absorption peaks corresponding to functional groups such as O–H, C=C, C–C, and C–H. Therefore, it can be concluded that Majapahit leaves contain saponin compounds, which may contribute to their potential pharmacological properties.