Characterization of primary and secondary metabolites of leaf and stem extracts from Eurycoma longifolia jack

Abstract

This study evaluates the primary and secondary metabolite profiles of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) stems and leaves to determine whether it can be utilized for therapeutic purposes as the roots. A total of six types of extracts were tested. The extracts showed high content of glycosaponins,  polysaccharides,  proteins  and  phenolics. The presence of flavonoids  and phospholipids was also detected. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of bioactive marker of EL root, eurycomanone and 14,15ß-dihydroxyklaineanone in stem and leaf extracts. Primary and secondary metabolites identified were reported to associate with the enhancement of ergogenic and aphrodisiac activities in animal and human subjects. The result shows that stem and leaves of E. longifolia has the potential for therapeutic purposes.

Keywords: Eurycoma longifolia; eurycomanone; 14,15ß-dihydroxyklaineanone; aphrodisiac