Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Development and Evaluation of a Stable Topical Cream Formulated with Annona squamosa Seed Extract as a Natural Pediculosis Agent
Get PDFHead lice infestation (Pediculosis capitis) remains a global public health concern, exacerbated by growing resistance to conventional pediculicides such as permethrin and malathion. This study aimed to evaluate the pediculicidal activity and formulation stability of a topical cream containing Annona squamosa (sugar apple or srikaya) seed extract as a natural alternative for treating pediculosis. The ethanolic extract of A. squamosa seeds was obtained through maceration, producing a 10.005% yield. Pediculicidal assays were conducted using various extract concentrations (5%, 7.5%, and 10%), followed by formulation of oil-in-water creams with extract concentrations of 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%. Physical stability tests included assessments of viscosity, pH, spreadability, adhesion, and homogeneity. Results showed a dose–response relationship, with lice mortality increasing from 60% at 5% extract to 87% at 10%. Extract. The formulated creams demonstrated high efficacy—86% to 96% mortality—comparable to 1% permethrin. All formulations maintained acceptable physicochemical properties (pH 4.8–5.5, viscosity within 27,000–47,000 cps) and remained stable after accelerated storage. These findings indicate that A. squamosa seed extract is a potent pediculicidal agent that can be effectively incorporated into a stable topical formulation. The study supports the potential of A. squamosa as a safe, sustainable, and plant-based alternative for managing pediculosis while addressing the challenge of chemical resistance
Application of Carbon Nanodots from Cocoa Husk Waste to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Cellulose-Carrageenan-Based Biodegradable Films
Get PDFBiodegradable films made from natural materials such as cellulose and carrageenan are easily degradable but exhibit poor mechanical properties. Incorporating carbon nanodots (CDs) from cocoa husk waste has the potential to improve their mechanical properties. This study aimed to characterize CDs synthesized from cocoa husk waste and evaluate their mechanical properties of cellulose-carrageenan-based biodegradable films. The research stages include the isolation of cocoa husk cellulose, CDs synthesis, CDs characterization, biodegradable film preparation, and characterization of the mechanical properties of biodegradable films. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the treatment factor of CDs addition at six levels (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%) with three replicates. The results showed that the average size of cocoa husk CDs was 997 nm, and the absorbance peak was detected at 298 nm, validating that the CDs had been successfully synthesized with blue light emission. Incorporating CDs significantly affected the mechanical properties of the biodegradable film. Biodegradable cellulose-carrageenan-based films with the addition of CDs from cocoa husks had a thickness of 0.35–0.64 mm, tensile strength of 2.94–4.20 MPa, elongation of 36.51–63.28%, and elasticity of 6.00–9.45 MPa. The tensile strength and elongation values meet the JIS Z 1707 standard. Higher concentrations of CDs significantly improved tensile strength and elasticity, while reducing the thickness and elongation
Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Favipiravir and Oseltamivir Antiretroviral Covid-19 Patients in Bogor Cisarua Lung Hospital
Get PDFFavipiravir is a type of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor. Favipiravir is converted by host enzymes to T-705-ribofuranosyl 5-triphosphate and may act as a nucleotide analogue that selectively inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or causes lethal mutagenesis upon insertion into viral RNA without cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. Oseltamivir is part of the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) group which has a mechanism of action by inhibiting viral neuraminidase. Most of the alternative therapies for Covid-19 require pharmacoeconomic studies, especially regarding cost-effectiveness analysis which is useful in balancing patient expenses by determining treatment alternatives that represent the best health outcomes at a more affordable cost. The aim of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of the antiretrovirals Favipiravir and Oseltamivir. This research method used a descriptive analytic cross-sectional design and data collection was carried out retrospectively from the medical records of Covid-19 sufferers while detailed data on medical expenses were obtained from the finance department of inpatients at Cisarua Pulmonary Hospital, Bogor for the period September-October 2022. Sample of 80 patients consisted of 40 patients using Favipiravir and 40 patients using Oseltamivir. The parameters used in this research are direct medical costs (which include doctor visit costs, treatment room costs, laboratory costs and drug costs) while the effectiveness uses a negative RT PCR value. The results showed that in patients using Favipiravir with an average length of treatment 6.525 days, the total cost was Rp. 9,930,327/patient and Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (RP/day/patient) Rp. 1,521,899.195, whereas in patients using Oseltamivir with an average length of treatment 7.925 days, the total cost was IDR. 12,368,397/patient and Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (Rp/day/patient) IDR. 1,560,681,009. It can be concluded that Favipiravir is more cost effective than Oseltamivir
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Infection Prevention and Control Among Health Staff at Seiyun General Hospital Authority
Get PDFHealthcare workers (HCWs) are continuously exposed to pathogenic microorganisms, which can lead to serious infections. Infection prevention and control (IPC) relies heavily on HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study aimed to assess KAP towards IPC among health staff at Seiyun General Hospital Authority, Yemen, during 2023–2024. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 106 participants. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Among participants, 60.6% held a diploma, 62.5% were male, 37.5% were nurses, and 33.7% had 1–5 years of experience. Regarding knowledge, 91.3% reported understanding IPC, and 76.9% acknowledged the role of sterilization. In terms of attitude, 60% strongly agreed that handwashing reduces infections. As for practices, 90.4% washed their hands before patient care, and 76% educated patients about IPC. Significant associations were found between KAP levels and education, age, gender, job category, and experience. Occupational category and work experience influenced KAP levels, while education, age, and gender showed limited impact
The Effect of Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) Flower Extract on Creatinine Levels and Kidney Histophatology in Alloxan-Induced White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Get PDFKidney function impairment is a common complication of hyperglycemia, characterized by increased creatinine levels and structural damage to renal tissue. Alloxan is frequently used to induce kidney injury through oxidative stress mechanisms. Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) flower contains antioxidant compounds with potential nephroprotective effects. This study aims to determine the effect of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) flower extract on creatinine levels and kidney histopathology in alloxan-induced white rats (Rattus norvegicus). The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with an experimental approach. The negative control group received destilled water, while the positive control group was induced with alloxan (120 mg/kgBW) intraperitoneally and treated with glibenclamide (0.45 mg/kgBW). The treatments groups (P1, P2, and P3) were given alloxan (120 mg/kgBW) and torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) flower extract orally at doses of 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW, and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. This study showed that torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) flower extract significantly reduced creatinine levels and improved kidney histopathology (renal tubular necrosis). The 400 mg/kgBW dose was the most effective in lowering creatinine levels and repairing kidney tissue damage
Potential Effect of Orthosiphon aristatus Leaf Extract in Improving Collagen 1 Alpha 1 Expression in Hyperglycemia-Induced Rats
Get PDFDiabetes mellitus involves many mechanisms, the collagen metabolism pathway with very complex interactions and its regulation can contribute to the development of diabetes complications. The collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene plays an important role in the diabetes melitus pathway in adipose tissue by regulating adipocyte function, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism. COL1A1 expression is positively correlated with insulin resistance and negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity and is identified as a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. The cat's whisker plant (Ortosiphon aristatus) pharmacologically has hypoglycemic activity and increases insulin expression. This study aims to observe the potential of cat whisker leaf extract (Ortosiphon aristatus) in increasing the expression of the COL1A1 gene and is protective against increased blood sugar levels in hyperglycemia-induced Rattus norvegicus. The experimental design with pretest and posttest controlled group design was carried out by dividing 18 test animals into six groups of non-diabetic negative control, diabetic negative control, metformin as positive control, doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW. Induction of hyperglycemia with streptozotocin 65 mg/kgBW and nicotinamide 230 mg/kgBW peritoneal injection. The extract treatment is given for 14 days. Blood sugar level measurements were carried out at the treatment’s beginning and end. Adipose tissue was taken to examine COL1A1 gene expression by real time PCR technique by calculating the ratio of the cycle of tresh-hold COL1A1 to the internal ?-actin gene. The results of Kruskall Wallis test showed no significant difference in COL1A1 gene expression between groups and the Spearmen correlation test showed no relationship between blood sugar levels and COL1A1 gene expression (p>0.05). There was a decrease in blood sugar levels before and after treatment for all treatment groups
Identification of JAMU KU-HE-SE as an Alternative Health Supporting Ingredient
Get PDFHerbal plants have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine and continue to be maintained and preserved in Indonesia. They are called Jm. Each part of an herbal plant has active components in the form of secondary metabolite compounds, ranging from tubers, wood, sap, latex, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds that function to maintain life in their environment. Turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass are included in Jm plants, which are very useful in traditional medicine because they have various secondary metabolite compounds. This study aims to obtain an even distribution of secondary metabolite compounds through phytochemical tests, inhibition of free radicals through antioxidant activity tests, and an even distribution of nutrients through proximate analysis in JKHS samples with a certain formula. The results of the phytochemical test showed that JKHS contains several important phytochemical components with the intensity it shows. Phenolic content (++) can provide benefits in protecting body cells from oxidative damage. Saponin (+) has anti-inflammatory properties and has the potential as an antimicrobial agent. In addition, steroids (+) and terpenoids (++), play a role in regulating the body's physiological functions and can support hormonal balance and the immune system and the potential in treating certain diseases. Alkaloid content (+)can affect the nervous system and has analgesic and stimulant properties. JKHS samples also contain carotenoids (+), which protect body cells from free radicals and oxidative damage. With the value of 4.838 µg / mL of the sample, it shows that JKHS extract has very strong antioxidant potential. Through proximate analysis, it was obtained that the water content (15.38%) reflects the humidity level in JKHS which can affect the stability of product storage, the ash content (6.29%) indicates that JKHS can be a good source of minerals to support health, the crude protein content (3.79%) indicates that JKHS contributes to daily protein intake, especially in regular consumption, the fat content (6.43%) contributes energy and plays an important role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other bioactive compounds that may be contained in JKHS, the carbohydrate content (81.37%) indicates that the main component of JKHS is carbohydrates, which function as the main source of energy for the body that can support physical activity and daily energy needs, and the fiber content (5.45%) is an important component that helps smooth the digestion process, improves intestinal health, and helps prevent digestive disorders such as constipation, and plays a role in maintaining blood sugar levels and supporting weight management. Overall, the proximate composition of JKHS has good nutritional value, with carbohydrates as the dominant energy source, as well as additional protein, fat, and fiber that support overall health. This combination of formulas makes JKHS have great potential as a Jm drink that can provide various health benefits, especially in protecting the body from oxidative stress, inflammation, and other disease risks, including supporting the regeneration of cells, nerves, and other organs of the body that are weak due to climate, work, or old age
The Potential of Spirulina platensis Biostimulan as a Seed Priming Agent to Enhance the Vigor and Viability of Cucumber Seeds (Cucumis sativus)
Get PDFSpirulina platensis is a microalgae that can grow in waste media, including Sugar Mill Effluent (SME). In addition, Spirulina contains phytohormones that can be utilized to enhance seed germination. Cultivating microalgae will produce biomass that can be used for priming cucumber seeds. This research aims to determine the effect of Spirulina biomass and soaking time on the germination of cucumber seeds. In this research, a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used, consisting of 5 levels of microalgae biomass concentration: control (untreated seeds), 0, 30, 45, and 60%, with soaking time of 3 levels: 1, 2, and 3 hours. The results demonstrated that Spirulina can grow in SME-based media, as indicated by the increase in size and density of microalgae cells. Analysis of the seed priming test results of 45% algae biomass concentration for 1 and 3 hours showed a significant effect on the parameter of vigor index, seed growth rate, and simultaneous seed growth. In the treatment with a 60% concentration and soaking time of 1, 2, and 3 hours, significant effects were observed on the parameters of MGT, vigor index, seed growth rate, and shoot length. Even though the 45% and 60% treatments showed no significant differences in the few parameters, the priming with Spirulina platensis exhibited no decrease in cucumber seed germination, these applications indicated no decrease in seed germination. This demonstrates that priming treatment with Spirulina platensis is not toxic to seedling growth
Antimicrobial Potential of Phytochemicals from Coccinia grandis Leaves: A Molecular Docking Study Against Penicillin-Binding Protein 5 of Escherichia coli and DNA Topoisomerase IV Subunit B (ParE 24kDa) of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Get PDFCoccinia grandis (C. grandis) leaves, traditionally used in Sri Lanka for diabetes management, also have a potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, site-specific molecular docking was performed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of phytochemicals of Coccinia grandis leaves against Penicillin-binding protein 5 (PBP 5) and DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B (ParE 24kDa) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B (ParE 24kDa) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Penicillin was selected as the reference molecule for Penicillin-binding protein 5 and for DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B (ParE 24kDa), Novobiocin was selected as the reference molecule. The results identified Lupeol (-7.72 kcal/mol) and Beta-Sitosterol (-8.21kcal/mol) have a higher binding affinity to PBP5 of E. coli than Penicillin (-7.20 kcal/mol). Quercetin (-6.70 kcal/mol), Kaempferol (-6.95 kcal/mol), Naringenin (-7.07 kcal/mol), Isoquercetin (-6.15 kcal/mol), Lupeol (-7.87 kcal/mol), Beta-Sitosterol (-9.42 kcal/mol) and Sanguinarine (-9.07 kcal/mol) show higher binding affinity to DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B (ParE 24kDa) of S. aureus than novobiocin (-6.04 kcal/mol). As well Quercetin (-6.85 kcal/mol), Kaempferol (-6.82 kcal/mol), Naringenin (-7.23 kcal/mol), Isoquercetin (-6.20 kcal/mol), Lupeol (-7.67 kcal/mol), Beta-Sitosterol (-9.08 kcal/mol) and Sanguinarine (-9.03 kcal/mol) show higher binding affinity to DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B (ParE 24kDa) of E. coli than novobiocin (-5.76 kcal/mol). In silico pharmacokinetic and physicochemical parameter predictions were also conducted to study drug-likeness of above molecules using specialized web servers
Detection of Escherichia coli Contamination Using Most Probable Number (MPN) Methods of Jamu Pahitan in Singaparna District, Tasikmalaya
Get PDFIndonesians consume a lot of traditional jamu, including jamu pahitan. However, the hygiene aspect in the production and serving process is often neglected, so it has the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli. Using the MPN method, this study analyzed the presence of E. coli in jamu pahitan sold in Singaparna District. A total of 10 samples were tested, taken from jamu vendors who used plastic bottle packaging. The MPN test results showed that all samples contained E. coli with MPN values ranging from 6.0-1100 g/mL. None of the samples met food safety standards based on SNI 7388:2009, because the maximum limit of E. coli in drinks is <3 MPN/mL. The results of Gram staining of bacteria showed that the bacteria found were bacilli, red in color, including Gram-negative bacteria, indicating the presence of E. coli bacteria