Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Green Extraction of Corn Silk Flavonoids Using NADES-UAE: Optimizing Conditions for Agricultural Waste Valorization
Full text linkCorn silk (of Zea mays L.) is an agricultural waste that has not been optimally utilized, even though it is known to contain flavonoid compounds with various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. The flavonoid compounds in corn silk have the potential to be developed as natural raw materials for applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. However, the extraction process for these active compounds often still uses organic solvents like methanol, which are toxic, flammable, and have negative impacts on health and the environment. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) method using a more environmentally friendly alternative solvent, namely Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES). The study was conducted in two main stages: selection of the best NADES composition and molar ratio from combinations of choline chloride with urea, glycerol, lactic acid, and malic acid; and optimization of UAE parameters including ultrasonic power, time, and temperature using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) model. The determination of total flavonoid content was performed using the colorimetric method with AlCl? reagent and quercetin standard, and the measurements were taken using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the NADES combination of choline chloride:urea (1:2) with the addition of 30% aquades produced the highest flavonoid content compared to 80% methanol solvent. The optimal conditions for UAE extraction were obtained at 100 % ultrasonic power, 30 minutes of extraction time, and a temperature of 70°C, resulting in a total flavonoid content yield of 96.02 ± 0.48 mgQE/g of corn silk powder. This study concluded that the combination of NADES and UAE method can significantly enhance the extraction yield of total flavonoids while also providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for the utilization of agricultural waste, such as corn silk
Molecular Dynamic Study of Java Cardamom (Wurfbania compacta) Leaf Compounds Targeting Xanthine Oxidase for Antihyperuricemia
Full text linkHyperuricemia is a disorder marked by elevated concentrations of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can trigger gout and other metabolic complications. Conventional therapies such as allopurinol are effective but often cause side effects. This study aims to explore the potential of bioactive compounds from cardamom leaves (Wurfbania compacta) as antihyperuricemic agents through an in silico approach. The methods used include mining phytochemical data from the literature, predicting pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity (ADMET), molecular docking as well as molecular dynamic. The screening results show that the compound with the most stable interaction from cardamom (Wurfbania compacta) with receptors that play a role in inhibiting xanthine oxidase enzyme in silico is the compound kaempferol with a Binding energy value of -8.1 kcal/mol and Ki 1.15 uM (micromolar). ADMET analysis indicates that the main candidate has a good pharmacokinetic profile and low toxicity potential. Based on the results of the RMSD and RMSF molecular dynamic analysis, the kaempferol compound shows a stable level of interaction and has 3 amino acid similarities with the comparison drug allopurinol, namely THR1010, VAL1011 and ALA1078, so it has the potential to be used as a candidate antihyperuricemia drug. These findings suggest that cardamom leaves have prospects as a source of natural antihyperuricemia compounds. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to verify the biological activity and safety of its use
Phytochemicals Composition and Anti-bacterial Activity of Methanol Leaves Extract of Vernonia amygdalina
Full text linkBacterial infections have been a major health challenge associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Plants and their metabolite constituents are important in local therapies and drug synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anti-bacterial activity of the methanol leaves extract of Vernonia amygdalina. Phytochemicals in the extract were estimated using standard analytical methods. The antibacterial activity test of the plant extract was carried out using the agar diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the tube dilution method and sub-culturing technique, respectively. The extract contains significant amount of alkaloids (47.44 %), flavonoids (16.60 %), tannins (4.35 %), saponins (12.28 %), steroids (0.86%), and glycosides (0.18%). The extract exhibited significant (p < 0.005) inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus isolates with MIC and MBC values of 12.45 and 25.51 mg/mL, 22.03 and 44.84 mg/mL, and 31.64 and 63.95 mg/mL, respectively. The methanol leaves extract of Vernonia amygdalina demonstrated an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus isolates with low minimum inhibitory concentration values
Eco-Friendly Biochar-Chitosan Coating for Controlled Nitrogen-Fe Release from Slow-Release Fertilizers
Full text linkThe development of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) has gained increasing attention as an efficient approach to enhance nutrient utilization while minimizing nutrient losses and environmental impacts. In this study, biochar–chitosan composites were employed as encapsulating materials for urea and Fe to produce SRF beads. The beads were synthesized through ionic gelation in NaOH solution, followed by swelling tests and structural characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The swelling analysis demonstrated that the most effective formulation was obtained from the composition containing 3 g of biochar and 3 g of urea, achieving the highest swelling capacity of 92% after 48 h. This result indicates that the biochar–chitosan matrix provides sufficient porosity and water affinity to support nutrient retention and release. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups of biochar, chitosan, urea, and Fe, verifying the successful incorporation of all components into the composite beads. Furthermore, XRD analysis revealed a predominantly amorphous structure, as evidenced by broad peaks in the 2theta range of 20°–60°. However, sharp crystalline peaks were also observed at 2theta approximately 29.1° and 33.9°, corresponding to urea, and at 2theta approximately 40°, attributed to crystalline phases of urea and Fe. These results suggest that the structural configuration of the beads combines both amorphous and crystalline phases, which may contribute to controlled nutrient release behavior. Overall, the findings demonstrate that biochar–chitosan encapsulation is a promising strategy for developing efficient SRFs with enhanced swelling properties and structural stability, offering potential for sustainable agricultural applications
Phytochemistry, Toxicity, and Antimalaria Activity of Mangrove Plant from Muara Badak Beach, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Full text linkThis study aimed to determine the secondary metabolite content, toxicity, and antimalarial activity of methanol extracts of mangrove leaves Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Sonneratia caseolaris. Mangrove leaf extraction by maceration using methanol solvent, then qualitative phytochemical test (color test), toxicity test by BSLT method using Artemia salina, and antimalarial activity test using Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 with Giemsa staining microscopic method. The content of secondary metabolite compounds of methanol extracts of the three mangrove leaf species are alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, steroids, triterpenoids and tannins. The toxicity of methanol extract of R. mucronata mangrove leaves against A. salina is included in the strong category. Meanwhile, the toxicity of S. caseolaris is included in the moderate category and A. marina is in the weak category. Mangrove species R. mucronata and S. caseolaris have good activity against P. falciparum 3D7 with IC50 values 50 μg/ml. Other tissue parts of these three mangrove species still need further exploration for their bioactivity against A. salina and P. falciparum 3D7
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Dyera polyphylla (Miq) Steenis Extract Using the DPPH Method
Full text linkThis research aimed to determine the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of the jelutung rawa plant (Dyera polyphylla). Phytochemical screening tests were conducted using specific reagents, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Determination of antioxidant activity was performed the DPPH method. The research results showed the presence of secondary metabolite compounds, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and terpenoids in the leaves, while the contain alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, and terpenoids. The antioxidant activity in this plant has been identified as a strong natural antioxidant
Phytochemicals Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Tradescantia spathacea Sw. Leaf Extracts
Full text linkTradescantia spathacea Sw. is commonly used as a traditional medicine plant to treat several diseases. This study aims to identify phytochemical constituents using phytochemical screening, quantify the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) analysis, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of various extracts via DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The phytochemical constituent revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, steroid, triterpenoid, and tannin in different extracts of Tradescantia spathacea Sw. leaf. The methanolic leaf extract showed the best total phenolic and flavonoid content values of 83.35±0.00 mgGAE/g and 33.79±0.13 mg/g, respectively. Methanolic extracts also showed potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with IC50 values of 80,835 µg/mL. The results suggest that Tradescantia spathacea Sw. could be an alternative source of natural antioxidant agents
Isolation and Identification of Dermatophytes from Toenails and Interdigital Spaces of Students Using Czapek Yeast Extract Agar
Full text linkDermatophytosis remains a common superficial fungal infection affecting nails and interdigital spaces, with Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes as the predominant etiologic agents. The recent emergence of terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae has raised new challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Although Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is the conventional medium for fungal culture, alternative media such as Czapek Yeast Extract Agar (CYA) may provide additional advantages for dermatophyte isolation and morphological identification. This study aimed to isolate and identify dermatophytes from toenails and interdigital spaces of university students using CYA medium and to evaluate its applicability in dermatophyte culture. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 university students aged 18–24 years. Specimens were collected from toenails (n = 60) and interdigital spaces (n = 40). Direct microscopy was performed using 20% KOH preparation. Samples were cultured on CYA supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, and incubated at 28 ± 2 °C for up to 21 days. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology. Data were analyzed descriptively, and associations were tested using the chi-square test. Fungal elements were detected in 65% of samples by KOH examination, and dermatophyte growth was confirmed in 52% of cultures. The most frequently isolated species were T. rubrum (28%) and T. mentagrophytes (18%). Notably, T. indotineae was detected in 5% of samples. No significant difference was found between toenail and interdigital isolates (p = 0.26). Dermatophytes are prevalent among university students, with T. rubrum as the dominant species. The detection of T. indotineae highlights its emerging role in young populations. CYA proved effective for dermatophyte isolation and may serve as an alternative culture medium in academic and diagnostic laboratories
Anatomical Structure of Young Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Leaves for Callogenesis Initiation
Full text linkPlant anatomy, a key area within biology, examines the structure and organization of plant organs and tissues. It underpins various disciplines such as physiology, ecology, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology. Anatomical data are typically obtained using the paraffin embedding, which facilitates detailed microscopic observations. In oil palm (Elaies guineensis Jacq.) tissue culture, young leaves are commonly used as explants in callogenesis inducing undifferentiated cell growth. The study aimed to describe anatomical characteristics of young oil palm leaves, analyze the correlation between anatomical traits across different leaf positions, and examine anatomical changes during callogenesis. Leaf samples were collected from positions -4, -5, -6, -7 and -8, processed using paraffin embedding technique, and analyzed microscopically. The percentages of callogenesis were also calculated for each leaf position. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT), and correlation analysis was performed in R Studio. The anatomical features included the adaxial and abaxial epidermis, cuticle, hypodermis, mesophyll (palisade and spongy parenchyma), vascular bundles (phloem and xylem), stomata, and sclerencyma. The correlations between mesophyll and leaf thickness were very strong (r= 0.97, p>0.05), indicating that as mesophyll tissue thickness increases, the overall leaf thickness also increases. Notably, leaves at position -8 exhibited the highest rate callogenesis, reaching 204%
Prospects of Dwarf Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. var. genjah) as a Cultivar for Coconut Sugar Production in East Lampung
Full text linkCoconut sugar is emerging as a promising natural sweetener to reduce Indonesia’s dependency on imported refined sugar. Among various coconut cultivars, Cocos nucifera L. var. genjah (dwarf coconut) offers advantages for sap production due to its short trunk, early maturity, and high sugar content. This study aimed to examine the prospects of dwarf coconut as a productive cultivar for coconut sugar development in East Lampung Regency, based on field-level adoption indicators. A total of 41 respondents were selected using Slovin’s formula. Primary data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, and multiple linear regression with SPSS version 27. The findings show that factors such as landholding size, formal education exposure, and income levels significantly (P < 0.05) influence the practical use of dwarf coconut for coconut sugar production. These results highlight the potential of dwarf coconut as a strategic cultivar to support local coconut sugar initiatives in Indonesia