Importance of Magnesium in the Human Body

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 102 views

Determination of Magnesium Levels from the Simplicia of Sungkai Leaves (Peronema Canescens Jack) with Spectrophotometry of Atomic Absorption

Introduction

Sungkai (Peronema Canescens Jack) is a traditional medicinal plant species widely used in Indonesia, particularly in South Sumatra and Lampung. Local people have been using sungkai leaves as a medicine for fever and as an anti-plasmodium. This plant is a characteristic in the southern and Kalimantan Sumatra regions, making it an important natural resource in traditional medicine. The study aims to determine the level of magnesium contained in fresh sungkai leaves, which is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes in the human body.

Importance of Magnesium in the Human Body

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various biochemical processes in the human body. It is involved in muscle and nerve function, bone formation, and many other physiological processes. Magnesium deficiency can lead to various health problems, including muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue. Therefore, knowing the level of magnesium in medicinal plants such as sungkai leaves can provide valuable information about the health benefits offered.

Methodology

The method used in this study is a dry destruction of sample samples, followed by quantitative analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). This procedure is carried out at a wavelength of 285.2 Nm, which is the right wavelength to measure the magnesium content. One of the advantages of the AAS method is its ability to determine high accuracy mineral levels without being affected by the presence of other minerals, even in very small amounts.

Results

The results showed that the magnesium mineral content in the sample of sungkai leaves was 124 ± 3,0424 μg/g. The determination of this level has been carried out following the Indonesian National Standard Procedure (SNI), which guarantees the validity and reliability of the results.

Discussion

The results obtained in this study indicate that sungkai leaves contain magnesium with significant levels. This information is not only useful for researchers in the field of health and pharmacology, but also for people who use sungkai leaves in traditional medicine. Detected magnesium levels can be the basis for the development of more standardized herbal products, by providing information about the nutritional and therapeutic values of Sungkai leaves.

Conclusion

In a broader context, knowledge about mineral content in traditional medicinal plants will support efforts to preserve and use local plants for treatment. This is important, especially in the modern era where the search for natural alternatives for conventional treatment is increasing. Therefore, further research on medicinal plants such as sungkai leaves will not only enrich knowledge, but also contribute to improving public health.

Recommendations

Based on the results obtained in this study, it is recommended that further research be conducted on the mineral content of sungkai leaves, including other essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Additionally, studies on the pharmacological effects of sungkai leaves, including its anti-plasmodium and anti-inflammatory properties, should be conducted to further understand its potential health benefits.

Future Directions

The results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the mineral content of sungkai leaves and its potential health benefits. Future studies should focus on the development of more standardized herbal products, including the use of sungkai leaves as a natural alternative for conventional treatment. Additionally, studies on the conservation and sustainable use of sungkai leaves should be conducted to ensure the long-term availability of this valuable natural resource.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a single analytical method. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and use multiple analytical methods to confirm the results obtained in this study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the importance of determining the level of magnesium in sungkai leaves, a traditional medicinal plant species widely used in Indonesia. The results obtained in this study indicate that sungkai leaves contain magnesium with significant levels, which can be the basis for the development of more standardized herbal products. Further research on the mineral content of sungkai leaves and its potential health benefits is recommended to enrich knowledge and contribute to improving public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determining Magnesium Levels in Sungkai Leaves

Q: What is sungkai (Peronema Canescens Jack) and why is it used in traditional medicine?

A: Sungkai (Peronema Canescens Jack) is a traditional medicinal plant species widely used in Indonesia, particularly in South Sumatra and Lampung. Local people have been using sungkai leaves as a medicine for fever and as an anti-plasmodium.

Q: What is the importance of magnesium in the human body?

A: Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various biochemical processes in the human body, including muscle and nerve function, bone formation, and many other physiological processes.

Q: What is atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and how is it used in this study?

A: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) is a technique used to determine the concentration of elements in a sample. In this study, AAS is used to measure the magnesium content in sungkai leaves.

Q: What are the advantages of using AAS in this study?

A: One of the advantages of using AAS in this study is its ability to determine high accuracy mineral levels without being affected by the presence of other minerals, even in very small amounts.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The results showed that the magnesium mineral content in the sample of sungkai leaves was 124 ± 3,0424 μg/g.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The results of this study indicate that sungkai leaves contain magnesium with significant levels, which can be the basis for the development of more standardized herbal products.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a single analytical method.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: Future studies should focus on the development of more standardized herbal products, including the use of sungkai leaves as a natural alternative for conventional treatment. Additionally, studies on the conservation and sustainable use of sungkai leaves should be conducted to ensure the long-term availability of this valuable natural resource.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The results of this study can be applied in various fields, including traditional medicine, pharmacology, and public health.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The results of this study can provide valuable information about the health benefits of sungkai leaves, which can be used to develop more effective and safe herbal products.

Q: What are the potential risks of this study?

A: There are no known risks associated with this study, as it is a laboratory-based study that does not involve human subjects.

Q: What are the potential future research directions?

A: Future research directions include the study of other essential minerals in sungkai leaves, the pharmacological effects of sungkai leaves, and the conservation and sustainable use of sungkai leaves.

Q: What are the potential collaborations for this study?

A: Potential collaborations for this study include researchers from the fields of traditional medicine, pharmacology, and public health, as well as industry partners interested in developing herbal products.

Q: What are the potential funding opportunities for this study?

A: Potential funding opportunities for this study include grants from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners.