Antioxidant molecules protecting a vibrant green Johar tree

Unlocking Nature's Secrets: The Antioxidant Power of Johar Leaves

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the science-backed benefits of flavonoids extracted from Senna siamea (Johar) leaves and how they can boost your health."

In a world increasingly focused on natural remedies and preventative healthcare, the search for potent antioxidants has led scientists to explore various plant sources. Among these, Senna siamea, commonly known as Johar leaves, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its rich flavonoid content and potential health benefits.

Traditionally used in various medicinal practices, Johar leaves have been recognized for their anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic properties. These diverse bioactivities are attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. But what makes the flavonoids in Johar leaves particularly special, and how can they contribute to our well-being?

Recent research has delved into isolating and identifying these flavonoid compounds, specifically focusing on their antioxidant capabilities. This article explores the findings of a study that investigated the extraction, identification, and antioxidant activity of flavonoids from Johar leaves, shedding light on their potential applications in promoting health and combating oxidative stress.

What Makes Flavonoids from Johar Leaves Antioxidant Superstars?

Antioxidant molecules protecting a vibrant green Johar tree

The study detailed in the research paper meticulously isolated flavonoid compounds from the ethanol extract of Johar leaves through a multi-stage process. This involved solvent extraction, vacuum liquid chromatography, gravitational column chromatography, and preparative thin-layer chromatography. Ultimately, researchers were able to isolate a flavonoid compound weighing 0.006 grams, representing 0.004% of the original extract.

After successfully isolating the compound, the next crucial step was identification. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the flavonoid isolate was found to possess a basic flavon structure, exhibiting maximum absorption at wavelength band I (350 nm) and band II (255 nm and 267 nm). Further analysis using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) revealed functional groups such as O-H, C-H aliphatic, C=O, C=C aromatic, C-O ether, and C-O alcohol. These findings indicated that the flavonoid isolate is likely a substituted luteolin compound.

UV-Vis Spectrophotometry: Identifies the basic flavon structure through maximum light absorption at specific wavelengths.
FTIR Spectroscopy: Reveals key functional groups like O-H, C-H aliphatic, and C=O, confirming the compound's molecular structure.
Substituted Luteolin: The isolate is identified as a substituted form of luteolin, a well-known flavonoid with antioxidant properties.

The true test of any antioxidant lies in its ability to neutralize free radicals. In this study, the antioxidant activity of the isolated flavonoid was evaluated using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. The results showed an IC50 value of 139.8373 mg/L, indicating the concentration of the flavonoid isolate required to inhibit 50% of DPPH activity. While this value is higher compared to potent antioxidants like quercetin, it confirms that the flavonoid isolate from Johar leaves possesses significant antioxidant capabilities.

Embrace the Power of Nature's Antioxidants

The research underscores the potential of Johar leaves as a valuable source of natural antioxidants. The isolation and identification of flavonoid compounds, particularly substituted luteolin, highlight the plant's capacity to combat oxidative stress. While further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific benefits and applications of these flavonoids, the findings suggest that incorporating Johar leaves into health and wellness practices could contribute to overall well-being. As we continue to explore the rich diversity of natural compounds, Johar leaves stand out as a promising avenue for enhancing our health and harnessing the power of nature's pharmacy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.14710/jksa.20.3.123-129, Alternate LINK

Title: Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan Senyawa Flavonoid Dari Ekstrak Etanol Daun Johar (Senna Siamea Lamk)

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi

Publisher: Institute of Research and Community Services Diponegoro University (LPPM UNDIP)

Authors: Dita Widia Ningrum, Dewi Kusrini, Enny Fachriyah

Published: 2017-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are Johar leaves (Senna siamea) known for, and why are they gaining attention in preventative healthcare?

Johar leaves, or Senna siamea, are recognized for their anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic properties. Their increasing popularity in preventative healthcare stems from their rich flavonoid content, which offers potential health benefits by combating oxidative stress and promoting overall wellness. These diverse bioactivities are attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. These compounds make Johar leaves a promising natural remedy.

How were the flavonoid compounds isolated from Johar leaves in the study, and what techniques were used to identify them?

The flavonoid compounds from Johar leaves were isolated through a meticulous multi-stage process that included solvent extraction, vacuum liquid chromatography, gravitational column chromatography, and preparative thin-layer chromatography. Identification of the isolated compound involved UV-Vis spectrophotometry to identify the basic flavon structure and FTIR spectroscopy to reveal key functional groups. These techniques allowed researchers to confirm the compound's molecular structure and classify it as a substituted luteolin.

What do UV-Vis spectrophotometry and FTIR spectroscopy reveal about the flavonoid compounds extracted from Johar leaves?

UV-Vis spectrophotometry identifies the basic flavon structure of the flavonoid isolate by measuring maximum light absorption at specific wavelengths (band I at 350 nm and band II at 255 nm and 267 nm). FTIR spectroscopy reveals key functional groups such as O-H, C-H aliphatic, C=O, C=C aromatic, C-O ether, and C-O alcohol, which confirm the compound's molecular structure. Together, these methods help to characterize and classify the flavonoid as a substituted luteolin.

How was the antioxidant activity of the flavonoids from Johar leaves evaluated, and what were the results?

The antioxidant activity of the isolated flavonoid was evaluated using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. The results showed an IC50 value of 139.8373 mg/L, which represents the concentration of the flavonoid isolate required to inhibit 50% of DPPH activity. While this IC50 value is higher compared to potent antioxidants like quercetin, it confirms that the flavonoid isolate from Johar leaves possesses significant antioxidant capabilities, demonstrating its ability to neutralize free radicals.

What is the significance of identifying substituted luteolin in Johar leaves, and what further research is needed to fully understand its benefits?

The identification of substituted luteolin in Johar leaves is significant because luteolin is a well-known flavonoid with established antioxidant properties. This finding suggests that Johar leaves could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific health benefits, optimal extraction methods, and potential applications of these flavonoids in promoting overall well-being and preventing diseases. Additional studies could explore the long-term effects and bioavailability of substituted luteolin from Johar leaves.