Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Water Hyacinth Flowers (Eichhornia Crassipes) Extract

The purpose of this research was to know about phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of water hyacinth flowers extract and its potential use as a natural antioxidant. Data analysis was performed descriptively. Research consisted of several stages including sampling, sample preparation, sample extraction, yield of extract, phytochemical analysis (phenols, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins), antioxidant activity test with DPPH method and reducing power. The results showed that extracts yield of water hyacinth flowers with n-hexane solvent was 4.95%, ethyl acetate solvent was 1.69%, and highest extracts yiled obtained from methanol was 26.06%. Results of phytochemical compounds analysis showed positive results for phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Result of antioxidant activity with DPPH method interpreted within parameters of IC₅₀. IC₅₀ of Hyacinth flower extract were 1085.31 ppm for n-hexane, 950.71 ppm for ethyl acetate and 35.83 ppm for methanol. Small IC₅₀ showed that higher antioxidant activity.