Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Proximate Analysis and Chemical Constituents of Psychotria latistipula Benth. (Rubiaceae) Leaves
Get PDFPsychotria latistipula Benth. (Rubiaceae), a traditional Nigerian medicinal plant recognised for its effectiveness in treating cancer, tumours, bronchial and gastrointestinal disorders was investigated for its chemical constituents by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique; also, proximate analysis was done to determine the composition of moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and ash contents, which had not been previously reported. P. latistipula leaves were extracted by maceration using acetone and hexane (1:1). The proximate analysis indicated that the leaves of P. latistipula contain moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and ash contents of 8.91±0.14, 12.43±0.05, 20.78±0.66, 2.28±0.06, 50.34±0.79, and 5.27±0.16%, respectively, demonstrating a notably high carbohydrate content. The GC-MS identified twenty-eight compounds, making up 93.08% of the total. The dominant classes of these compounds included fatty acid esters, saturated fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, and unsaturated fatty acid aldehydes accounting for 19.27%, 18.71%, 13.77% and 13.36% of the total, respectively. Octadecanoic acid (14.03%) was the major compound in P. latistipula leaves acetone-hexane extract. Notably, Octadecanoic acid is known for its potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties, which indicates P. latistipula could serve as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer agents further justifying its ethnomedicinal use
Macroscopic, Microscopic, and Phytochemical Screening Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Nagari Lasi, West Sumatra
Get PDFIndonesia is one of the countries titled “Megabiodiversity”, which has a high level of biodiversity, including medicinal plants. Medicinal plants utilize various parts of plants, such as roots, leaves, stems, and fruits for prevention, treatment, and pain relief. Nagari Lasi has great potential in the diversity of medicinal plants, but their utilization by the community is still limited due to a lack of knowledge. This study aims to identify the content of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants through macroscopic, microscopic, and phytochemical screening. The methods include organoleptic observation, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, and phytochemical tests. Of the 150 plant samples, the results showed that 78 samples contained alkaloids, 115 samples contained phenolics, 129 samples contained flavonoids, 75 samples contained steroids, 21 samples contained triterpenoids, and 119 samples contained saponins. This study provides basic information regarding the phytochemical content of medicinal plants in Nagari Lasi as a first step in developing traditional medicine
Academic Stress and Blood Glucose Levels: A Correlational Study Among Medical Laboratory Technology Students
Get PDFDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, often influenced by various physiological and psychological factors. One such factor is stress, particularly academic stress among university students. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between academic stress levels and random blood glucose levels among Medical Laboratory Technology (D.IV) students at Kadiri University. A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was used in this study. A total of 28 eligible students participated. Academic stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Sources of Academic Stress (PSAS) questionnaire, while random blood glucose levels were measured using spectrophotometric methods with glucose GOD FS reagents. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test to determine the relationship between the two variables. The majority of students experienced moderate academic stress (71.43%), while the rest (28.57%) experienced high stress. No students reported low stress levels. Regarding blood glucose, 53.57% of participants had normal levels, and 46.43% had elevated levels. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.045 with a p-value of 0.819, indicating no statistically significant relationship between academic stress levels and blood glucose levels. Regression analysis also confirmed that while there was a slight positive trend (suggesting that higher stress may slightly raise glucose levels), the effect was negligible and not statistically significant. This study found no significant correlation between academic stress and random blood glucose levels among Medical Laboratory Technology students. Although stress may contribute to changes in glucose levels through hormonal mechanisms, other factors—such as diet, physical activity, and individual coping strategies—likely play a more substantial role. Interventions focusing on stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular health monitoring are recommended to maintain both psychological well-being and metabolic health in students
Demographic Characteristics of Fruit Sellers and Chemical Preservation Practices in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
Get PDFFruits in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, are often preserved using chemicals to extend their shelf life, maintain freshness, and enhance quality and taste. However, global concerns persist about the safety of these preservatives, particularly when applied indiscriminately. This study aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of fruit sellers in Birnin Kebbi and the preservatives they commonly use. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 participants who provided informed consent. The results showed that 116 (58%) of the respondents were male, while 84 (42%) were female. Most participants (38%) were aged 18–25 years (76 individuals), followed by those aged 26–35 years (60 individuals, 30%). A significant proportion of participants (82; 41%) had no formal education, while 48 (24%) had primary education. The majority of participants (120; 60%) belonged to the Hausa ethnic group, and 156 individuals (78%) identified as Muslims. Marital status was evenly distributed, with 84 participants (42%) being single and 80 (40%) married. Regarding fruit preservation practices, watermelon was the most frequently preserved fruit, cited by 50 participants (25%), followed by oranges (42; 21%) and bananas (22; 11%). Among chemical preservatives, sulfite was the most commonly used, reported by 84 (42%) participants, followed by citric acid (36; 18%), sodium benzoate (28; 14%), calcium chloride (24; 12%), benzoic acid (18; 9%), and ethanol (10; 5%). Alarmingly, 95% of participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge of proper preservative application methods, raising concerns about potential health risks for consumers. These findings suggest that fruit preservation practices in Birnin Kebbi may expose consumers to health hazards. It is imperative to educate fruit sellers and consumers on the safe use of chemical preservatives, including appropriate concentrations and application techniques, to mitigate these risks and promote safer fruit consumption
Fragrant Pandan (Pandanus ammaryllifolius) Leaves Ethanol Extract as an Enhancer of Endogenous Antioxidant Defence under High-Fat Diet Conditions
Get PDFExcessive fat consumption, especially saturated and trans fatty acids, plays a significant role in metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease through increased oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation, serves as a biomarker of oxidative damage, whereas indirect bilirubin acts as an endogenous antioxidant. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fragrant pandan leaves ethanol extract (FPLEE) in reducing MDA levels and modulating indirect bilirubin activity in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The experimental method used 24 male Rattus norvegicus divided into six treatment groups: normal control (NC), positive control (C+), negative control (C-), and three FPLEE treatment groups with different doses (8, 16, and 32 mg/200 g BW/day). Administration was carried out for 14 days after 14 days of HFD induction. MDA levels were measured using the ELISA method, while total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were measured using spectrophotometry to determine indirect bilirubin levels. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the post hoc Bonferroni test. The results showed that there were no significant differences in MDA levels between groups, although the C+ group fed a HFD showed a tendency toward increased MDA. Indirect bilirubin levels increased significantly in the low-dose FPLEE group (8 mg/200 g BW/day), indicating increased endogenous antioxidant activity, while higher doses did not. Thus, FPLEE has the potential to be an effective natural phytopharmaceutical agent in enhancing the body's antioxidant defence against oxidative stress caused by excessive fat consumption, especially at low doses
The Acoustic Material Constructed by the Fiber of Eichhornia crassipes and Banana Peel as a Sound Pollutant-reducing Solution
Get PDFThis study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of the composition of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with a banana peel on the absorption coefficient value as a composite material for absorbing sound waves. The cellulose within the water hyacinth and banana peel lead to reduced overload sound waves. This study used an experimental method providing banana peel crushed into powder, water hyacinth fiber, and resin (as a catalyst). All samples were prepared with dimensions of 13.5 cm × 25 cm × 0.8 cm. A frequency generator application was used as the sound source (125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz), while a sound meter application measured sound intensity (dB). The results indicated that the outer surface of sample D had a superior absorption coefficient, measuring 0.51 at 250 Hz and 0.45 at 2000 Hz. Meanwhile, the inner surface of sample D recorded absorption coefficients of 0.46 at 250 Hz and 0.45 at 2000 Hz. Variations in absorption values were attributed to destructive interference and saturation. Sample D contained more water hyacinth (approximately 30%) than banana peel powder. This suggests that water hyacinth and banana peel powder are viable natural fiber alternatives for sound wave absorption
Toddler Massage as a Supplementary Intervention in Overcoming Stunting in Children: Research from Stunting Locus Area in Gorontalo City
Get PDFStunting defined as impaired linear growth resulting in a child’s height falling below the age-appropriate standard, remains a pressing global health concern due to its long-term implications on development and increased risk of mortality. In Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting exceeds the national target of 23.8%, with North Gorontalo Regency reporting the highest rate at 29.3%. This study aimed to examine the effect of toddler massage on weight gain among stunted children. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach was employed, involving 32 stunted toddlers selected through purposive sampling. Participants were equally allocated into an intervention group (n=16), which received toddler massage based on standard operating procedures, and a control group (n=16), which did not receive the intervention. Body weight was measured using digital scales. The results of the paired t-test revealed a statistically significant weight gain in the intervention group (p = 0.00), whereas no significant difference was observed in the control group (p = 0.164). The findings indicate that toddler massage may contribute to weight improvement in stunted children and could be considered a supportive non-pharmacological intervention in stunting management programs
Antibacterial Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaves on Staphylococcus aureus Based on Different Concentration and Harvest Time
Get PDFThis study investigates the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, focusing on the effects of harvest time and extract concentration. Leaves were harvested in the morning (08:00–10:00) and afternoon (15:00–17:00), then extracted with 96% ethanol. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method at 60%, 70%, and 80%. The largest inhibition zone was observed at 80% concentration from the afternoon harvest (10.38 ± 0.43 mm), while the smallest was recorded at 60% from the morning harvest (8.25 ± 0.20 mm). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant concentration‑dependent antibacterial effect (p < 0.001, η² = 88.6%). However, harvest time did not significantly affect inhibition zone size (p = 0.882). These results suggest that M. oleifera is an effective natural antimicrobial agent against S. aureus, with concentration being the key determinant of antibacterial activity. Further research is recommended to explore its potential combined with antibiotics and its full therapeutic applicability
Isolation and Characterization of Constituents from The Extracts of Momordica angustisepala Aerial Parts
Get PDFN-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Momordica angustisepala were screened for the presence of metabolites, using column and thin-layer chromatographic techniques. Octadecane (1), tetradec-5-enoic acid (2), 1,2,3-propanetriyl (8Z,11’Z,14â€Z)tris(-8,11,14-eicostrienoate) (3), methyl oleana-5,12,15-trienoate-3β-acetate (4) and 1,2,3-propanetriyl (9Z,12’Z,15â€Z)tris(-9,12,15-uneicostrienooate) (5) are the compounds obtained from the extracts of M. angustisepala aerial parts using proton and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)
Effect of Different Concentration of SCOBY Kombucha as an Anti-acne Against Staphylococcus aureus in The Ear of Mice (Mus musculus)
Get PDFSCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) results from symbiosis between yeast and bacteria during fermentation. SCOBY kombucha gel combined with orange peel extract has antibacterial compounds that can inhibit the growth of S. aureus bacteria. The method in this study was to make variations in the concentration of SCOBY in the gel and inject S. aureus bacteria into the ears of mice. After 2x24 hours, the diameter of the inflammation caused was observed and SCOBY kombucha gel was applied (0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 10%, and 12%), positive control (Mediclin 1%), and negative control (without gel application). The results showed that the higher the concentration of SCOBY, the faster the healing activity of the gel against S. aureus. SCOBY kombucha gel has the fastest healing activity in inhibiting acne pathogen S. aureus 12% SCOBY gel. Inflammation in the ears of mice treated with 12% SCOBY gel had healed by the 90th hour, while in other groups of mice it had only healed at the last observation hour, namely the 114th hour