Jenis-Jenis Sphagnum spp. di Taman Wisata Alam Sicike-cike Kabupaten Dairi dan Skrining Fitokimia serta Potensinya sebagai Sumber Antioksidan

Abstract

Research on Sphagnum mosses in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra, still limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze species diversity, distribution, and to analyze the phytochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Sphagnum spp. in the Sicike-cike Nature Tourism Park. Sampling was carried out using exploratory method. Data collected included species identification, morphological characteristics, and ecological parameters such as elevation, relative humidity, temperature, pH, and light intensity. Phytochemical screening analysis was conducted qualitatively, while antioxidant activity was tested using the a,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The study found that five species of Sphagnum were identified, namely Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum flexuosum, Sphagnum junghuhnianum, Sphagnum palustre, and Sphagnum perichaetiale, of which Sphagnum palustre and Sphagnum flexuosum represent new records for Sumatra. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity analysis were conducted on four Sphagnum species due to the limited availability of one species at the study site. The study site is characterized by peat soil with a pH range of 2.5-5.5 (acidic category), air temperature between 20-24 °C, soil temperature between 19-22 °C, relative humidity ranging from 80 to 84%, and an altitude of 1,400-1,450 meters above sea level, which provide an ideal habitat for the growth of Sphagnum. Phytochemical screening of four ethanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides with varying compositions among species. The Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC₅₀) values for antioxidant activity ranged from 123.63 µg/mL to 666.15 µg/mL, with Sphagnum perichaetiale exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity and Sphagnum cuspidatum showing the lowest. This research provide a scientific basis for the potential utilization of Sphagnum as a natural antioxidant and supports biodiversity conservation at the study area.