Isolation of Bioactive Flavonoid Compounds from the Sap of Sumatran Frankincense (Styrax benzoin) which have Potential as Medicinal Raw Materials

The flavonoid group as natural polyphenolic compounds produced by plants needs to be explored because they have medicinal properties. Sumatran Frankincense (Styrax benzoin) is known as a plant that produces incense resin containing bioactive substances which have been used as medicinal ingredients in traditional and modern medicine. These bioactive compounds from Sumatran forest plants need to be revealed to increase the economic value of non-timber forest products. The research aims to isolate flavonoids from Frankincense resin as a strategy to confirm the potential of Sumatran Frankincense as a source of bioactive compounds for medicinal raw materials. The research stages include isolating and identifying flavonoid compounds contained in frankincense sap. The research results demonstrated success in isolating bioactive flavonoids from frankincense sap using various types of solvents. Isolates have been identified qualitatively to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in the flavonoid group. The pure isolate is in the form of a yellowish-white crystalline powder and has an aroma, soluble in alcohol solvents, soluble in hot water, and difficult to dissolve in cold water. boiling point 285 oC and melting point 81 oC. Initial analysis to identify the presence of flavonoids in the frankincense sap isolate was carried out using FTIR and showed the functional groups of the flavonoids contained in the frankincense sap.