Inhibitory effects of sangketan (Achyranthes aspera L.) roots extract on arginase activity and determination of its total phenolic and flavonoid contents

Background: Achyranthes aspera, or commonly called as Sangketan in Indonesian is a wild plant that is used as a traditional medicine. The roots of Sangketan can be used as a wound healer by involving the role of arginine and its metabolites, nitric oxide, that directly affect the wound healing process itself. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the potential of Sangketan roots extract in inhibiting arginase activity. Methods: The roots were extracted using multistage ultrasound-assisted extraction method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol solvent. Each extract from different solvents was tested for the inhibition of arginase activity using a microplate-based colorimetric method, followed by determination of total phenolic concentration and total flavonoid concentration. Results: The results of inhibition test of arginase activity by n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts were 9.56; 17.58; and 29.77% sequentially/respectively at concentration of 100 μg/ml; the total phenolic concentration were 3.91; 4.83; dan 11.18 mgGAE/g of sample respectively; and the total flavonoid concentration are 0.29; 0.80; and 0.88 mgQE/g of sample respectively. Conclusion: From this research, it can be concluded that Sangketan roots extract had low potency of arginase inhibitory activity.