Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Phytochemical Profiling, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of Tamarindus indica Pulp Extracts: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Full text linkThe study looks at the antioxidant, antibacterial, and phytochemical characteristics of pulp extracts from Tamarindus indica. Several solvent fractions were obtained from the extraction process, such as hexane, butanol, ethyl acetate, crude, and aqueous, all of which indicated the existence of primary and secondary metabolites. High amounts of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids were found by phytochemical screening, especially in the butanol and ethyl acetate fractions. With an inhibition zone of 17 mm against Bacillus subtilis, the ethyl acetate extract had the most excellent antibacterial activity in antimicrobial tests conducted using the cup-plate agar diffusion method. With a radical scavenging activity of 11 ± 0.1%, the crude extract's antioxidant activity was found to be modest, in contrast to the positive control's 87% activity, propyl gallate (PG). These findings show that T. indica extracts have a promising antibacterial potential, despite their still-low antioxidant efficiency. According to the research, T. indica may be a valuable source of bioactive substances for medical and pharmacological uses, especially in the treatment of infections
Formulation and Characterization Tests of SCOBY Kombucha Gel
Full text linkThe wound is the damage to body tissues caused by various factors such as accidents, sharp object scratches, etc. Proper care is necessary to accelerate the wound healing process. Topical medications, such as gel preparations, are commonly used for wounds. Kombucha SCOBY is believed to contain bioactive compounds that can accelerate the wound healing process, making it a potential active ingredient in gel preparations. This research aims to determine the characteristics of kombucha SCOBY gel with various concentration variations. SCOBY is obtained from kombucha fermentation using green tea, sugar, and kombucha culture. Preparing kombucha SCOBY gel involves using carbomer 940, methyl paraben, triethanolamine, glycerin, and SCOBY kombucha. The concentration variations of kombucha SCOBY gel include 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 10%, and 12%. Each formula undergoes physical characteristic tests including an organoleptic test, hedonic test, homogeneity test, pH test, spreadability test, and adhesiveness test. Data obtained after physical characteristic tests of the gel preparations are analyzed descriptively. Based on the conducted research, it was found that kombucha SCOBY gel preparations with concentration variations of 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 10%, and 12% exhibited different characteristics. The higher the gel concentration, the more acidic the gel's aroma, the more liquid the texture, and the more intense the color. SCOBY added to the gel preparation can increase the pH value, adhesiveness, and spreadability of the gel
The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Adolescent Mental Health in Ambon City, Indonesia
Full text linkThe increasing prevalence of social media use among adolescents has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on mental health. This study investigated the relationship between social media addiction and adolescent mental health in Ambon, Indonesia. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was utilized, involving 336 adolescents aged 13-18 who actively used social media. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, social media usage patterns, and mental health status using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis using odds ratios (ORs), and multivariate analysis via multiple logistic regression were conducted. Results indicated that 64.88% of respondents had poor mental health scores. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between age, study frequency, duration of social media use, and social media usage scores with mental health conditions (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression identified that adolescents aged 18-20 years, those who studied infrequently, used social media for over three hours daily, and had high social media usage scores were at greater risk of poor mental health. These findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to design effective interventions and policies that foster responsible social media use and promote adolescent mental well-being in the digital era
Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Gandaria Stem Bark (Bouea macrophylla) Against MCF-7 Cell Line
Full text linkThe stem bark of Bouea macrophylla (gandaria) represents a promising subject for further scientific investigation. Previous studies have reported that the bark contains high concentrations of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, associated with potent antioxidant activity. This study evaluates the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of B. macrophylla stem bark. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods, while cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells was determined using the MTT assay. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 5.837 ± 0.060 ppm (DPPH) and 9.645 ± 0.697 ppm (ABTS). The cytotoxicity assay revealed an IC₅₀ value of 99.55 ppm, indicating moderate cytotoxic potential. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of B. macrophylla stem bark possesses significant antioxidant activity and potential anticancer properties, supporting its possible application in natural therapeutic development
Effect of Prolonged Dehumidification on the Chemical Properties of Crassiacarpa and Mangium Honey
Full text linkHoney is a natural substance bees produce from nectar, flower sap, or liquid collected from living plant parts. The honey undergoes bee modification and binding before being stored in hexagonal combs. Effective dehumidification is crucial for enhancing honey quality and extending its shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged dehumidification time, honey type, and their interaction on the quality of Crassiacarpa and Mangium honey and to determine the optimal dehumidification treatment to meet the SNI 8664-2018 standard. A factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was employed. Two liters each of Crassiacarpa and Mangium honey were placed in trays with a thickness of ±2 cm and dehumidified at 25°C and 40% humidity for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Following dehumidification, the honey was analyzed for moisture content, total acidity, pH, and sensory attributes (taste, color, aroma, texture). Data were analyzed descriptively. The results demonstrated that dehumidification time significantly impacted moisture content, total acidity, and pH. Honey type significantly affected moisture content and pH. The interaction between dehumidification time and honey type significantly affected pH. The optimal treatment for both honey types was dehumidification for 96 hours, which resulted in honey that met the SNI 8664-2018 standard
Encapsulation of Extracted Oil from Mentha piperita in Alginate Beads
Full text linkEncapsulating essential oils derived from traditional medicinal flora within alginate beads represents an up-and-coming technique for enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and controlled release properties. In this study, we employed a Clevenger apparatus to extract the essential oil from Mentha piperita. The hydrodistillation process of M. piperita yielded an essential oil extraction of 0.27 ± 0.05%. The ionic gelation methodology facilitates the cross-linking of alginate with Calcium chloride, forming a gel-like matrix that effectively encapsulates essential oil droplets within stable, gelled beads. The essential oil-loaded beads were quantified spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 340 nm (λmax). Furthermore, we evaluated and characterized the beads for size, weight analysis, sphericity, swelling behavior, dissolution kinetics, pH stability, drying rate, and accelerated stability studies. The size of alginate beads exhibited a significant increase concomitant with an elevation in sodium alginate concentration. The release profile of the oil content demonstrated a more sustained and regulated release within a phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 as opposed to that observed in 0.1N HCl
The Relationship Between Total IgE, Symptom Duration, VAS Scores, and Danyoung Classification in Allergic Rhinitis
Full text linkAllergic Rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa triggered by allergies, with total IgE often used as a biomarker to assess disease severity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between total IgE levels, symptom duration, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and Danyoung Classification in AR patients. Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted on 73 patients at the Allergy-Immunology Clinic of Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital. Total IgE levels were measured using the ELISA method, while VAS and nasal mucosa classification were assessed through anamnesis and nasoendoscopy. Results: The study showed68.5% of patients had IgE levels above 100 IU/ml, with an average of 982.97 IU/ml. Although higher IgE levels were often found in AR patients, there was no statistically significant correlation between IgE levels and Danyoung classification (significance value 0.924). The correlation test showed a coefficient of -0.11, indicating a negative correlation, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The nasal mucosa condition in patients with high IgE levels does not always reflect severe inflammation. In addition to IgE levels, external factors such as exposure to pollutants and cigarette smoke also play a role in the condition of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, while high IgE levels often indicate allergic reactions, this study found no significant relationship between IgE levels and AR severity
Optimization of Date Palm Extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Based Collagen Powder Beverage Formula with Spices (Tamarind and Cinnamon) Addition Using D-Optimal Mixture Design Method
Full text linkThe trend of collagen-based beauty functional drinks is predicted to increase. However, its use can potentially cause a fishy taste, so it is usually formulated together with fruit or spice extracts. Date fruit has the potential for high bioactive content, but its utilization as a powder drink in Indonesia is still relatively low. Tamarind and cinnamon are also Indonesian spice commodities that are rich in bioactive components and have a strong flavor that can cover the fishy taste of collagen. Thus, this study aimed to obtain the optimal formulation and the effect of the addition of date, tamarind, cinnamon, and hydrolase collagen powder on the physicochemical characteristics of the final product using the Design Expert program D-Optimal Mixture Design Method. The first stage of the research was determining the upper and lower limits of the independent variables and a fixed value. The optimal formula suggested by Design Expert consisted of 50% date powder, 24,91% tamarind powder, 20,09% cinnamon powder, and 5% hydrolase collagen powder with a desirability value of 0,805. The second stage of characterization testing in the form of chemical tests resulted in antioxidant activity (IC50) of 263,25 ± 8,01 ppm and total phenol content of 101,71 ± 9,21 mg GAE / 100 g. Characterization in the form of physical tests resulted in a moisture content of 2,98 ± 0,01%, dissolving time of 20,52 ± 0,72 seconds, bulk density of 0,52 ± 0,14 g/ml, and hygroscopicity of 18,73 ± 0,04%
Computational Insights into the Comparative Analysis of Insulin- like Compounds in Bitter Melon: Targeting GSK-3 Protein and Insulin Receptor
Full text linkDiabetes, a rapidly escalating global health challenge, is defined by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Current treatment options often fall short due to side effects and limited efficacy in addressing long-term complications, underscoring the urgent need for safer, more effective alternatives. This study delves into the potential of insulin-like compounds derived from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) to combat diabetes by targeting two pivotal proteins: glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and insulin receptors. These proteins are crucial for glucose regulation and insulin signaling, making them key targets for blood sugar control. Through computational molecular docking, we evaluated the binding affinities and inhibition potentials of key bitter melon compounds, including Charantin and Vicine. Molecular structures were sourced from the PubChem database and optimized using density functional theory (B3LYP functional, 6-311G++ (d, p) basis set) with Gaussian-09 software. Structural data for GSK-3 (PDB ID: 1Q5K) and insulin receptors (PDB ID: 1IR3) were retrieved from the Protein Data Bank, and docking studies were conducted using the Lamarckian genetic algorithm in AutoDock 4.2. Protein-ligand interactions, bond lengths, and amino acid residues in binding pockets were analyzed with Discovery Studio, while ADMET profiles and toxicity levels were predicted using pkCSM and ProTox-II.Charantin demonstrated the highest binding affinity and inhibition potential against both GSK-3 and insulin receptors. Toxicity analysis revealed that Charantin, classified under toxicity class 6, is safer than Vicine (class 4), with a higher LD50 value indicating lower toxicity. These findings position Charantin as a promising multi-target anti-diabetic agent with significant efficacy and minimal side effects. This research paves the way for developing novel, safer anti-diabetic medications derived from natural sources, offering a beacon of hope in the fight against diabetes
Ethnobotanical Study of Plant Utilization in the Life Cycle Ceremonies of the Kaili Tado Ethnic Group in Central Sulawesi
Full text linkThe Kaili Tado ethnic group of Central Sulawesi maintains a rich ethnobotanical tradition in which plants play essential roles in life cycle ceremonies that mark the stages of human existence from birth and marriage to death. This study aimed to identify and analyze the species, uses, symbolic meanings, and conservation status of plants employed in the traditional rituals of the Kaili Tado community. The research was conducted in Langko Village, Lindu District, Sigi Regency, from July to August 2025, using a qualitative descriptive ethnobotanical approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and field documentation involving twelve key informants, including traditional leaders, ritual practitioners, and elder community members. A total of 11 plant species were recorded, representing diverse functions and cultural symbolism. Plants such as Oryza sativa (rice), Cocos nucifera (coconut), and Areca catechu (areca nut) symbolize prosperity, purity, and strength, respectively, while others like Kalanchoe pinnata and Jatropha curcas serve as protective and purifying agents. Most species are easily available around home gardens, but a few such as Piper betle and Calamus sp. are becoming scarce. The study demonstrates that the Kaili Tado community’s ritual plant use reflects deep ecological awareness and moral philosophy, emphasizing balance between humans and nature. Ethnobotanical documentation of these practices is essential not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental education