Inhibitory effects of sangketan (Achyranthes Aspera L.) root extracts on arginase activity

Objective: Achyranthes aspera, commonly called Sangketan in Indonesian, is a wild plant used as traditional medicine. The roots of Sangketan can be used as a wound healer, which is attributed to the involvement of arginine and its metabolites, nitric oxide, which directly influence the wound healing process. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential of Sangketan root extracts to inhibit arginase activity. Methods: The roots were extracted using the multistage ultrasound-assisted extraction method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents. Each of the extract associated with the three solvents was tested for arginase inhibition activity using a microplate-based colorimetric method, followed by the determination of total phenolic compound and total flavonoid concentrations. Results: The results of the inhibition test of arginase activity based on n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts were 9.56, 17.58, and 29.77%, respectively, at concentrations of 100 ng/mL; the total phenolic compound concentrations were 3.91, 4.83, and 11.18 mg GAE/g of sample, respectively and the total flavonoid concentrations were 0.29, 0.80, and 0.88 mg QE/g of sample, respectively Conclusion: According to the results, Sangketan root extracts had low potency with regard to arginase inhibitory activity.