Semi-Quantitative Analysis of Triterpenoid Saponin in Hydroponics Abrus Prcatorius Induced by Methyl Jasmonate

Abstract

Abrus precatorius is a plant highly valued for its foods and medicinal benefits, notably due to the triterpenoid saponins that it can synthesize. The triterpenoid saponins produced are glycyrrhizin in the roots and abrusoside in the leaves. However, the yield of triterpenoid saponins in A. precatorius is low. To increase the yield, it can be induced by activating the stress condition for the plant. Waterlogging through hydroponics can be utilized to cause oxidative stress to the plants. In addition to that, methyl jasmonate (MeJa) is a hormone for stress signalling in plants. Applying MeJa to a specific part of the plant can increase the stress signal, triggering the expression of secondary metabolites, and creating triterpenoid saponins. Therefore, to investigate the impact of hydroponics and MeJa on triterpenoid saponins levels in A. precatorius, a semi-quantitative analysis of saponins will be performed through Liebermann-Burchard test and quantified with UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results showed hydroponics having lower saponin content compared to soil, but MeJa treated hydroponics showed an increase in saponin content. It is recommended for further research to analyze using more precise analysis methods such as HPLC or GC to check the effects on specific saponin found in A. precatorius and conduct antioxidant or betulinic acid analysis to confirm the non-MeJa treated hydroponics results.