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This study aimed to characterize the secondary metabolite content of Pulai (Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br) stem bark through preliminary phytochemical screening of its methanol extract obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The research is significant as it provides basic phytochemical information to support the ethnomedicinal use of Alstonia scholaris and to explore its potential as a natural source of bioactive compounds for future phytopharmaceutical development. Dried stem bark from Central Borneo was extracted with methanol using UAE at room temperature with a simplicia-to-solvent ratio of 1:5 and three remaceration cycles, yielding 5.29% w/w crude extract with a yellowish-black appearance. Phytochemical screening was carried out using specific qualitative tests for alkaloids (Mayer, Dragendorff, Bouchardat), flavonoids (Shinoda), phenolics (FeCl₃), saponins (foam test), and steroids/terpenoids (Liebermann–Burchard). The methanol extract tested positive for alkaloids and terpenoids, while flavonoids, saponins, and steroids were not detected. These findings indicate that alkaloids and terpenoids are the dominant secondary metabolites in the methanol extract of Alstonia scholaris stem bark obtained by UAE, and provide a foundational profile for further studies on its biological activities.
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