Comparison of Maceration and Ultrasonic Extraction Methods for Visual Saponin Screening in the Macroalga Sargassum polycystum

Sargassum polycystum is a brown macroalga containing various bioactive compounds, including saponin, which has considerable potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of conventional maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods for the qualitative screening of saponin from S. polycystum. Samples were collected from Teluk Kodek, North Lombok, Indonesia, freeze-dried, powdered, and extracted using 70% ethanol, 96% ethanol, and 96% methanol at a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:20 (w/v). Conventional maceration was performed for 24 h using an orbital shaker (150 rpm), whereas UAE was conducted for 30 min at 50º C. The obtained extracts were concentrated using a rotary evaporator and subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis using the foam test to determine the presence of saponins. The result demonstrated that both extraction method and solvent type significantly influenced saponin detection. In the conventional maceration method, the extract obtained with 70% ethanol and 96% methanol tested positive for saponins. In comparison, the 96% ethanol produced the highest and most stable foam formation, indicating a greater abundance of saponins. In contrast, extracts indicate that ultrasound-assisted extraction using 70% ethanol is the most effective approach for the qualitative extraction and screening of saponins from S. polycystum. The study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate extraction techniques and solvents to maximize the recovery of bioactive compounds from brown macroalgae.