Evaluation of The Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Centella asiatica Leaf Meal Extract as a Feed Additive Candidate for Poultry

The objective of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition of Centella asiatica leaf meal by analyzing the type of solvent used and the duration of the extraction process. In addition, it assessed the effectiveness of Centella asiatica leaf meal extract as a potential antibacterial agent when added to poultry feed. The study was conducted in two phases. The initial phase employed a fully randomized design featuring a 2 x 5 factorial design and three replications. Factor X denoted the solvent used, which included ordinary distilled water and distilled water heated to 100 oC. Factor Y signified the duration of the extraction process, ranging from 15 to 75 minutes in 15-minute increments. In the second stage, the in vitro antibacterial test was carried out using the most effective extract of Centella asiatica leaf meal as determined in the first stage. The parameters consist of: total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content, total antioxidant activity, inhibition zone of Escherichia coli, and Salmonella sp. The results showed a highly significant interaction (p<0.05) between the solvent type and extraction duration on the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. However, the overall tannin concentration remained the same regardless of the solvent used or the duration of the extraction process. Moreover, the extract of Centella asiatica leaf meal extract with a concentration of 100% had a greater inhibition against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. bacteria compared to other concentrations. It was concluded that the best extraction method to produce phytochemical compounds from Centella asiatica leaf meal extract is a heated distilled water solvent with 75 minutes of extraction time. Furthermore, Centella asiatica leaf meal extract also has potential as an antibacterial agent candidate for poultry.