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Contact Name
Abd. Kakhar Umar
Contact Email
abdulkaharumar@gmail.com
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Journal Mail Official
sciphy@etflin.com
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Sungai Manonda Street, Duyu, Tatanga, Palu City 94225, Indonesia.
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INDONESIA
Sciences of Phytochemistry
Published by ETFLIN
ISSN : 29625793     EISSN : 2962553X     DOI : https://doi.org/10.58920/sciphy
Sciences of Phytochemistry (SciPhy or Sci Phytochem) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published by ETFLIN. SciPhy aims to offer a widely visible and highly indexed platform for scholars and intellectuals to share their insights and works. From July 2023 onwards, SciPhy will accept only four types of articles: Research, Review, Mini-review, and Opinion. SciPhy accepts research, review, mini-review, and opinion/perspective that falls within the scope of the journal. SciPhy will publish articles that describes new and relevant findings on the following topics: Phytochemical Analysis Techniques: Reviewing advancements in methodologies for identifying and quantifying phytochemicals in plant samples, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Pharmacological Activities of Plant Compounds: Investigating the biological activities of phytochemicals, including their potential as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory agents, and anticancer compounds. Natural Product Isolation and Characterization: Detailing the extraction, purification, and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, and marine organisms. Bioinformatics and Computational Approaches in Phytochemistry: Exploring computational tools and techniques for analyzing phytochemical data, predicting bioactivities, and identifying potential drug candidates from natural sources. Ethnobotany and Traditional Medicine: Examining the ethnopharmacological uses of plants in traditional medicine systems and their relevance to modern drug discovery and development. Phytochemical Diversity in Plant Families: Studying the chemical composition and variability of secondary metabolites across different plant families and genera. Biological Interactions of Phytochemicals: Investigating the interactions between phytochemicals and biological targets, including enzymes, receptors, and cellular pathways. Phytoremediation and Environmental Applications: Discussing the role of plants in detoxifying pollutants, restoring degraded ecosystems, and contributing to sustainable environmental management. Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Highlighting the health-promoting properties of phytochemical-rich foods and their potential as functional ingredients in nutraceutical products. Biotechnological Approaches in Phytochemistry: Reviewing biotechnological methods such as plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, and metabolomics for enhancing the production of valuable phytochemicals or developing novel plant-based products.
Articles 59 Documents
Metabolite Profiling of Balinese Grape (Vitis vinifera L. Var. Alphonso Lavallee) Kombucha: GC-MS Analysis Damayanti, Ida Ayu Manik; Wulansari, Nadya Treesna; Dharmapatni, Ni Wayan Kesari; Antari, Ni Wayan Sukma
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
Publisher : ETFLIN

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0502689

Abstract

Balinese grape (Vitis vinifera L. var. Alphonso Lavallee) is a local grape variety containing various phytochemical constituents. Fermentation into kombucha using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) may alter the chemical composition of the substrate through microbial metabolic activity. This study aimed to characterize the metabolite profile of Balinese grape kombucha using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis detected several chemical constituents, including fatty acid esters, alkaloids, and terpenoid hydrocarbons. The major compounds identified based on mass spectral library matching were 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (E)-, acetic acid n-octadecyl ester, caffeine, and 2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)-. These results describe the metabolite profile detected in the fermented sample and indicate changes in chemical composition following kombucha fermentation. The findings provide preliminary information on the chemical constituents of Balinese grape kombucha and may serve as a basis for further studies involving comparative analyses with unfermented substrates and confirmation of compound identities using complementary analytical approaches.
Medicinal Plants with Psychoactive Properties: A Comprehensive Review Rimi, Fakhray Jahan; Fardous, Jannatul; Zaman, Fahmida; Patwary, Md. Kawchar Ahmed; Maisha, Mahajabin Tabassom
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
Publisher : ETFLIN

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0502612

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate a range of neurological and psychological disorders. Numerous plant-derived phytochemicals are known to modulate central nervous system activity by interacting with neurotransmitters, receptors, and neurochemical pathways. This review provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants with psychoactive properties, their major bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, toxicity concerns, and regulatory considerations. Literature was collected from scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using relevant keywords on psychoactive medicinal plants and neuropharmacological activities. Twenty medicinal plants commonly associated with anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, hallucinogenic, or cognition-enhancing effects were reviewed. Major phytochemical classes identified included alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, cannabinoids, and saponins. Several plants, such as Withania somnifera, Cannabis sativa, Valeriana officinalis, Psilocybe cubensis, and Passiflora incarnata, have been reported to exhibit neuropharmacological activities in preclinical and limited clinical studies, through modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and endocannabinoid systems. In addition to psychoactive effects, many reviewed plants exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic properties. However, despite promising pharmacological findings, most available evidence remains preclinical, with limited clinical validation regarding efficacy, safety, standardization, and long-term use. This review highlights the therapeutic prospects and current limitations of psychoactive medicinal plants and emphasizes the need for further experimental and clinical investigations for safe and evidence-based therapeutic applications.
Computational Assessment of Plant-Derived Alkaloids for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Properties Maniyeri, Abhinav; Krishnamoorthy, Karthika
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
Publisher : ETFLIN

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0502631

Abstract

The demand for efficient antiviral treatments that go beyond traditional treatment, whose effectiveness may be compromised by viral changes and documented adverse effects following immunization, has increased due to the quick and ongoing introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variations. In this regard, a potential class of natural chemicals for SARS-CoV-2 medication development is plant-derived alkaloids, which are known for their broad-spectrum antiviral qualities. This research employs network pharmacology, gene ontology, and molecular docking to find effective alkaloid candidates that can target conserved viral proteins across SARS-CoV-2 variations. 5 bioactive alkaloids were screened against three key coronavirus proteins—2AJF (spike RBD–ACE2 complex), 2DD8 (spike RBD-neutralizing antibody complex), and 2J98 (replication-associated nsp9 protein). Binding affinities ranged from -6.0 to -11.3 kcal/mol, with Manzamine A emerging as the strongest inhibitor across all targets (2AJF: -11.3, 2DD8: -10.0, 2J98: -9.1 kcal/mol). Its stable hydrogen-bonding network and interactions with key amino acids suggest strong potential to disrupt viral entry, immune evasion mechanisms, and replication processes. Network pharmacology revealed 5,272 SARS-CoV-2 associated genes, of which 51 overlapped with alkaloid-related targets. Venn analysis identified 6 shared genes, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction highlighted critical hub regulators like MTOR, AKT1, STAT3, SYK, CASP3, and JAK2 implicated in immune modulation, apoptosis, inflammation, and viral pathogenicity. The combined computational approach identifies Manzamine A as a promising natural scaffold for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. Experimental validation through in vitro, in vivo, MD simulation and pharmacokinetic research is still necessary to show clinical application, even though the results provide insightful information for future therapeutic design.
Phytochemical Profiling with Biological Validation Reveals Therapeutic Effect of Vincetoxicum capparidifolium Prameela, Athira; Krishnasamy, Thenmozhi
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
Publisher : ETFLIN

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0501663

Abstract

The present research discusses the phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiproliferative efficacy of Vincetoxicum capparidifolium leaf aqueous extract. Phytochemical characterization was performed using FTIR and LC-MS analysis. Network pharmacology was employed to identify potential molecular targets of tylophorine associated with liver associated disorders, followed by molecular docking studies. Anti-inflammatory activity and antidiabetic potential was evaluated in vitro. Cytotoxic outcomes were determined using MTT assay on HepG2 cells, along with AO/EtBr staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. FTIR investigation disclosed the occurrence of various functional groups, incorporating hydroxyl, amine, aromatic, and heteroatom-containing moieties. LC-MS profiling categorized a total of 28 compounds belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and fatty acid derivatives. Network pharmacology analysis identified 94 intersecting targets of tylophorine with liver inflammation, diabetic liver disease, and end-stage liver disease, while molecular docking showed binding affinities of tylophorine with proteins, presenting the strongest interaction with 3HHM (-8.9 kcal mol-1). The extract produced concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation (9.5-68.0%), proteolytic activity (10.3-71.7%), and erythrocyte lysis (10.6-70.2%) although its activity was lower than the reference drug, aspirin. The extract also displayed inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with greater potency against α-glucosidase (IC50=99.6 µg mL-1). The cytotoxic activity evaluated using MTT assay supported reduction in HepG2 cell viability (IC50=168 µg mL-1). AO/EtBr staining revealed increased apoptotic features, including membrane damage and nuclear condensation, while DNA fragmentation analysis verified apoptosis-mediated cell death. Overall, V. capparidifolium exhibits notable in vitro anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic potential, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for further pharmacological investigations.
Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Kinetics of Antioxidant Compounds from Polyalthia longifolia Leaves Clark, Poro David
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
Publisher : ETFLIN

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0402625

Abstract

This study aimed to optimize phenolic antioxidant extraction from Polyalthia longifolia leaves using hot maceration with 70% ethanol and to characterize the extraction kinetics under optimal conditions. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of extraction time and temperature on extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Both factors significantly influenced all responses, with the extraction yield and TPC increasing progressively with temperature and time. FRAP, however, exhibited a dome-shaped response, peaking at intermediate temperatures before declining under prolonged high-temperature conditions, consistent with the thermal degradation of heat-labile antioxidants. The highest phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity were achieved at the upper boundary of the experimental domain, suggesting that the true optimum may lie beyond the conditions tested. Kinetic analysis further revealed that antioxidant-active compounds were mobilized faster than the bulk extractable mass, with implications for reducing extraction time and energy consumption at scale. These findings provide a statistically guided and kinetically informed foundation for the valorization of Polyalthia longifolia leaves, supporting future process optimization across broader solvent systems and extraction techniques for functional food and nutraceutical applications.
Identification and Characterization of Volatile Compounds in Antidesma bunius (Buni) Fruit Kombucha During Fermentation Wulansari, Nadya Treesna; Dharmapatni, Ni Wayan Kesari; Damayanti, Ida Ayu Manik; Raningsih, Ni Made
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 2 (2026)
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0501676

Abstract

Buni fruit (Antidesma bunius) is a fruit commonly found in tropical countries such as Indonesia. This fruit has the potential to be developed into kombucha tea because it contains beneficial bioactive compounds. However, the use of buni fruit as kombucha tea remains very limited and has not been studied in depth. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the volatile compounds in buni fruit kombucha using GC-MS. This study employed a descriptive experimental design to analyze the volatile compounds in buni fruit kombucha after 8 days of fermentation using GC-MS. Buni fruit kombucha fermented for 8 days produced a dark purple color. Based on the analysis of volatile compounds, buni fruit kombucha was identified as containing 30 volatile compounds. The dominant compounds were hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, octadecanoic acid ethyl ester, eicosanoic acid ester, and docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester, which are classified as fatty acid esters and lipids. Additionally, the identified alcohol compounds are patchouli alcohol and 13-tetradecen-11-yn-1-ol. Buni fruit kombucha tea undergoes chemical transformations characterized by the formation of volatile compounds such as esters, alcohols, and fatty acid derivatives as a result of microbial metabolic activity. The profile of the resulting compounds highlights the important role of biotransformation during fermentation in shaping the sensory characteristics and bioactive potential of kombucha tea.
Comparison of Antioxidant Activity of Cream Preparations Combining Avocado and Green Tea Extracts Using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS Methods Juwita, Arti
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 1 (2026)
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0501591

Abstract

The accumulation of free radicals causes oxidative stress, which contributes to premature aging, collagen tissue damage, and hyperpigmentation. One preventive measure is the use of antioxidants in cosmetic products, particularly skin-lightening creams. Natural ingredients such as avocado (Persea americana) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) are known to be rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamin E, flavonoids, and polyphenols (EGCG), which possess high antioxidant potential and are safe for use. This study aims to compare the antioxidant activity of a combination cream formulation of avocado fruit extract (EDA) and green tea leaf extract (EDT) using three testing methods: DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The extracts were obtained through supercritical fluid extraction (avocado) and ethanol maceration (green tea), then formulated into various cream concentrations. The DPPH test results showed that formula F2 had the best radical scavenging ability with an IC₅₀ value of 336.34 µg/mL. The FRAP test showed a clear dose-response relationship, with formula F4 achieving the highest reduction capacity of 522.08 mMol Fe²⁺/g. The ABTS test also confirmed this trend, with F4 exhibiting the highest activity (599.64 mM TE/g), more than 200 times higher than the negative control. These findings demonstrate a synergistic effect between EDA and EDT, making their combination highly promising as active ingredients in antioxidant-based skin-lightening cosmetics.
Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Ethanolic Extracts from Ficus sur and Psidium guajava Leaves Ogidi, Odangowei Inetiminebi; Christopher, Ejeomo; Orlu, Happiness Adaekwu; Alfred-Ugbenbo, Deghinmotei
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 1 (2026)
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0501624

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Ficus sur and Psidium guajava, two plants widely used in traditional medicine. Standard AOAC methods were employed for qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Screening revealed that both species contained tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Quantitatively, P. guajava outperformed F. sur in total phenolics (123.79 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (95.06 mg QE/g), and alkaloids (88.91 mg AE/g). However, at 1.0 mg/mL, F. sur demonstrated greater FRAP (2.19 µmol Fe²⁺/g) and DPPH scavenging (60.21%), while P. guajava exhibited superior H₂O₂ (61.18%) and NO (70.85%) scavenging activities. L-ascorbic acid showed the highest overall activity. In conclusion, both extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, supporting their traditional uses and highlighting their potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Petal Extract as an Effective and Sustainable Natural Acid-base Indicator Sani, Hassan; Kani, Uwaisu Nura; Agbekelyun, Risikat Ogunkemi; Badamasi, Abdullahi Ado
Sciences of Phytochemistry Volume 5 Issue 1 (2026)
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58920/sciphy0501553

Abstract

The search for a safe, low cost and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical indicators is the main goal in green analytical chemistry. This study investigated the potential of Sunflower petal extract as a natural acid-base indicator to replace phenolphthalein. The plant pigment was extracted using cold maceration with methanol. The extract was characterized yielding 29%, a pH of 6.51, a wavelength of 450 nm and melting point of 248–250ºC. It demonstrates a sharp color change from brown in acidic media to yellow in basic media. Its performance was evaluated against standard phenolphthalein in four titration types: strong acid versus strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The average titre values for the sunflower extract are (25.65±0.00, 8.65±0.070, 16.16±0.070 and 6.65±0.00 mL) respectively, and were in close agreement with phenolphthalein values (26.65±0.07, 8.65±0.070, 16.05±0.070 and 5.65±0.07 mL). The highest deviation recorded was only 1.00 mL, indicating comparable accuracy and precision between the two indicators. Furthermore, the extract showed good stability under varying temperature and light exposure conditions, suggesting its strong suitability for routine laboratory use. The pigment responsible for the observed color transitions is believed to belong to the flavonoid group, which is known for its sensitivity to pH changes. These findings demonstrate that sunflower petal extract can serve as an effective natural indicator and an excellent replacement for synthetic phenolphthalein in educational and analytical titrimetry, considering its availability, distinct color transition, low toxicity, and overall environmental friendliness.