MORPHOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION, PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, AND UTILIZATION POTENTIAL OF Gomphrena globosa L. FROM BALI

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the morphological characteristics and phytochemical content of the purple phenotype of G. globosa growing in two different locations: Denbantas Vilage (Tabanan Regency) and Kesiman Kertalangu Vilage (Denpasar City). Samples were collected using purposive sampling, while morphological analysis was based on Tjitrosoepomo's (2013) description. Compound analysis was conducted using  gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Morphologically, although the flower and leaf structures are similar, notable differences were found in stem color and leaf surface texture. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the Denbantas sample contained a dominance of saturated fatty acids such as n-Hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, and Tetradecanoic acid ethyl ester, which are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The detection of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic antioxidant, indicated potential protection against lipid peroxidation. Conversely, Kesiman Kertalangu  samples contain volatile and phenolic compounds such as acetic acid, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, as well as heterocyclic compounds such as 2-Ethylacridine and Indolizine, which function as antitumor and antimicrobial agents. The presence of toxic compounds such as arsenous acid and tris(trimethylsilyl) ester indicates potential heavy metal contamination from the environment. These variations chemical polymorphism influenced by genetic, geographical, and ecological factors. findings  the potential of G. globosa as a source of natural bioactive compounds and cosmetics; however, further studies are needed on toxicological safety and the environmental impact on the accumulation of secondary metabolites.