Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of 70% Ethanol Extract from Ruta angustifolia for Developing Anti-Hepatitis C Agents

Background: Medicinal plants are potential sources for drug candidates. It possesses with various metabolites which have many pharmacology effects. Ruta angustifolia is one of medicinal plants that has been used traditionally for liver disease. Previous study it has been demonstrated to inhibit hepatitis C virus under in vitro cell culture. It decreased protein NS3 level and gave synergistic effect in combination with simeprevir and telaprevir. This plant provides a prospective candidate to develop as anti-HCV Objective: This study evaluates the phytochemistry screening for qualitative assay and determine the concentration of rutin as marker compound for developing R. angustifolia extract as anti-HCV agent. Materials and Methods: R. angustifolia leaves were extracted with 70% of ethanol. Extract and rutin were analysis their anti-HCV activity by in vitro culture cells of Huh7it. The concentration of rutin was determine by TLC densitometry. Results: The 70% ethanol extract of R. angustifolia dan rutin exhibit anti-HCV activities with IC₅₀ value of 2.9 ± 0.8 μg/ml and 28.1 ± 5.6 μg/ml, respectively. Screening phytochemistry demonstrated to contain flavonoid, terpenoid, alkaloid and polyphenols. TLC densitometry analysis yield the concentration of rutin in extract 0.06 %. Conclusion: Extract of 70% ethanol of R. angustifolia has a potential anti-HCV activity. Extract of R. angustifolia may provide a good candidate for developing anti-HCV agents.