Anti-elastase, antioxidant, total phenolic and total flavonoid content of macassar kernels (Rhus javanica L) from pananjung pangandaran nature tourism park- Indonesia

Background: Phytochemicals are present as important substances in natural resources and therefore, have aided in invention of the anti-oxidant, and anti-elastase properties of polyphenol compounds present in Indonesian herbs such as Macassar Kernels (Rhus javanica L). Objective: This research aimed to investigate anti-elastase, and antioxidant properties. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Rhus Leaves (RL), Rhus Stem (RS), Rhus Greenish Fruit (RGF), and Rhus Blackish-grey Fruit (RBF) were prepared individually by solvent extraction method. Anti-elastase activity was carried out with elastase from porcine pancreas. For quantitative phytochemical screening, DPPH radical scavenging assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of Rhus javanica were estimated. Result: RS showed highest anti-elastase activity (45.30%±0.087), compared with RL (12.30%±0.004), and there were no activities in RGF and RBF. In DPPH assay, RS had lowest activity (IC50 561.05 µg/ml), compared with RBF (IC50 239.28 µg /ml), RGF (IC50 189.3I µg/ml), and RL (IC50 157.81 µg/ml). RS also has lowest FRAP activity (% inhibition = 26.60%±0.002), and TPC value (28.50±0.03 mgGAE/g dry weight). Conclusion: Test extracts showed anti-aging properties in different mechanisms. RS possessed the highest anti-elastase activity but had the weakest antioxidant activity.