Sungkai plants (Peronema canescens Jack) are found in the Central Bengkulu region. Sungkai leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins that act as natural antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of old and young sungkai leaves was analyzed using the DPPH method. Sungkai leaves are known to contain antioxidant activity, which is indicated by the change in DPPH color from purple to clear yellow. The results showed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 values (inhibitor concentration 50) of 50.838ppm for young sungkai leaves and 52.835ppm for old sungkai leaves.

The antioxidant activity of natural product extracts is influenced by the type of solvent that plays an active role in binding secondary metabolites such as saponins and flavonoids. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) are plants that have been shown to contain secondary metabolites that have antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the antioxidant activity of Sungkai leaves with different solvents. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) used in this study were obtained in Central Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. Sungkai leaves are extracted with two types of solvents, namely methanol and distilled water. Furthermore, the analysis of antioxidant activity was carried out using the DPPH method. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of IC50 (inhibitor concentration 50) was 45.709 ppm, which was very strong in methanol extract. Antioxidant activity in distilled water is known to have an IC50 value of 53.979 ppm, which means strong. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the existence of differences in solvents can affect the level of antioxidant activity of Sungkai leaves. Methanol solvent contains stronger antioxidant activity than distilled water.