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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling of Styrax sumatrana J.J.Sm. from Pakpak Bharat, Indonesia: Potential ethnomedicinal implications

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12363
Submitted
20 October 2025
Published
29-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

As a culturally significant species, Styrax sumatrana J.J.Sm. has been extensively planted in Pakpak Bharat, Indonesia but its ethnomedicinally relevant metabolites remain underexplored, particularly in relation to horticultural practices and resin grading. This study aimed to profile and compare the metabolites of three cultivars (Batak, Bunga and Durame) across two resin grades using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). Volatile and semi-volatile compounds were identified based on mass spectral similarity indices (SI ≥ 70 %). The results showed Batak, Bunga and Durame at Grade 1, which contained several compounds with RT ranging from                   11.834–73.617 min, 20.615–73.700 min and 5.471–73.827 min, while at grade 2 with RT ranging from 5.466–73.770 min, 20.255–73.772 min and 3.520–73.818 min, respectively. The ten dominant compounds in the three cultivars grade 1 and grade 2 were chosen and accounted for over 85 % of the total chromatographic area. The most abundant compound in Batak Cultivar grade 1 was benzoic acid (total area 53.4 %), while that in grade 2 was hydrazine, 1-methyl-1-phenyl- (36.94 %). In addition, the chemicals in Bunga cultivar at grade 1 were benzoic acid (40.95 %), while at grade 2, it was trans-cinnamic acid (34.67 %). The chemicals in the Durame cultivar at grade 1 and grade 2 were trans-cinnamic acid (30.73 % and 30.56 %) and benzoic acid (20.51 % and 19.02 %). Thus, Grade 1 resins exhibited benzoic acid–dominant profiles consistent with its commercial value as incense and perfume ingredients, while Grade 2 resins, enriched in oxidized phenolics and cinnamate derivatives, indicated potential bioactive and therapeutic applications.

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