Acta Biochimica Indonesiana
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Acta Biochimica Indonesiana

Phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity assessment of Arenga pinnata leaf aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Ulfah Ulfah (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia 2 Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, 28133, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia)
Haniza Hanim Mohd Zain (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia)
Arfianti Arfianti (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, 28133, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia)
Salsabila Putri Balqis (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, 28133, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia)
Rizky Rajasa (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, 28133, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Arenga pinnata leaves have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes; however, their phytochemical composition and toxicity profile remain poorly characterized. Objective: This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in A. pinnata leaf aqueous extract and evaluate its acute oral toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard colorimetric and precipitation methods. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=5): one control (distilled water) and four treatment groups receiving single oral doses of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract. Animals were monitored for 14 days for mortality, behavioral changes, and clinical toxicity signs. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenoids. No mortality, adverse clinical signs, or pathological organ changes were observed throughout the study period. All animals exhibited normal behavior and progressive weight gain. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) exceeded 1600 mg/kg body weight, indicating low acute oral toxicity. Conclusion: A. pinnata leaf aqueous extract contains pharmacologically relevant bioactive compounds and demonstrates a favorable acute safety profile. These findings support traditional use while highlighting the need for sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

actabioina

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology

Description

Acta Biochimica Indonesiana (ActaBiolna) is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal that disseminates original research articles and review articles covering diverse topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The journal is published biannually by Indonesian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular ...