Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of alkaloids from Acalypha indica: solvent and extraction time variation

Alkaloids is one of the largest group of natural product which has an abundance of pharmacological activities. This study objected to optimize the extraction of alkaloids compound of Acalypha indica using the ultrasonic method with several parameters: solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and extraction time (10, 20, and 30 min). The crude extract was determined by profile separation, toxicity, and total alkaloids. Alkaloid isolate from TLC separation was characterized by FTIR. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, all crude extract exhibited the presence of alkaloids compounds. TLC separation showed a different number of alkaloid spots in each solvent (ethanol 3 spots, methanol 3 spots, and ethyl acetate 4 spots). Based on the highest total alkaloid contained, the best condition for ultrasound-assisted extraction method was using ethyl acetate for 20 min. The total alkaloid in optimized condition was 0.286 mg/g and its toxicity level was LC50 35.3600 ppm. The specific functional groups of the purified extract were N-H, C-H, C=O, C=C, C-N, and –N-C=O