Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Onychomycosis in Students: An Overview of Nail Care Practices and Personal Hygiene
Full text linkOnychomycosis is a common nail disorder caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds, with increasing prevalence among young adults. Poor nail care and personal hygiene habits are essential predisposing factors that contribute to infection. Despite its clinical relevance, data on onychomycosis in student populations remain limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, aged 18–25 years. Nail specimens were collected from individuals presenting with suspected onychomycosis. Direct microscopy was performed using a 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Sociodemographic data, nail care habits, and hygiene practices were collected through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively, and associations were assessed using chi-square tests. Onychomycosis was confirmed in 27 students (18%). Dermatophytes were the most frequent isolates, with Trichophyton rubrum (9%) and T. mentagrophytes (5%) predominating, followed by Candida albicans (3%) and Aspergillus spp. (1%). Risk factors significantly associated with infection included irregular nail trimming (p = 0.01), sharing of nail clippers (p = 0.03), and prolonged use of closed footwear (p = 0.02). No significant associations were observed with gender or age. Onychomycosis is prevalent among university students, with dermatophytes as the leading causative agents. Inadequate nail care and poor hygiene practices play a critical role in the occurrence of diseases. Health education and preventive interventions should be prioritized to reduce infection rates in young adults. Further studies employing molecular methods are recommended to refine species identification and improve epidemiological insights
Analysis of the Antioxidant Activity of Young and Mature Bidara Leaves Using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Phytochemical Screening Test
Full text linkThis study aimed to compare the antioxidant activity of young and mature bidara leaves using the DPPH method and to identify the content of secondary metabolites through phytochemical testing. Antioxidant activity was measured using the IC50 parameter, which represents the concentration of the extract that can capture 50% of DPPH free radicals. The test results showed that mature bidara leaves had an IC50 value of 34.984 ppm, indicating vigorous antioxidant activity, while young leaves had an IC50 value of 100.327 ppm, classified as moderate activity. Phytochemical testing revealed that both types of leaves contained alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, while flavonoids and triterpenoids were only found in old leaves. These results suggest that variations in secondary metabolite content, influenced by leaf age, contribute to differences in antioxidant activity. Thus, older bidara leaves are more potent as an antioxidant source compared to younger leaves. This study supports the utilization of bidara plants in the pharmaceutical industry and the development of traditional medicine based on natural ingredients
In silico and Histochemical Analysis of Soursop Leaves (Annona muricata) Against Alpha Estrogen Receptor
Full text linkSoursop leaves (Annona muricata) are known as a plant that has the potential to treat breast cancer, which has a high mortality rate in women in Indonesia. The receptor that plays the most important role in breast cancer development is the Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERa). This study aims to identify active compounds in soursop leaves that have the potential to inhibit breast cancer cell growth through in silico analysis using molecular docking of the ER? receptor using KNApSAck, PASS Online, PubChem, PDB ID, PyRx, and Discovery Studio software and Histochemical analysis was performed using fresh soursop leaves by making an incision on the lower part of the leaf and adding reagents AlCl, FeCl, Na2CO, CuSO4, glycerin, Wagner reagent, immersion oil, and ethanol, then observed microscopically. The in silico results showed the presence of specific compounds from soursop leaves and one reference compound (OHT600). Cis-Solamin had the highest binding affinity (-9.3 kcal/mol), better than the native ligand (-7.6 kcal/mol), and interacted with the amino acid Glutamine 532 (GLU532). Histochemical analysis showed the content of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, accompanied by color changes in trichome and stomatal tissues. Based on the research data, it was concluded that soursop leaves can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells through the content of secondary metabolites that actively inhibit Er? receptors
Antiinflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of Stem Extract and Fractions of Telfairia occidentalis in Rodents
Full text linkTelfairia occidentalis Hook (Family-Cucurbitaceae) is a vegetable employed in Ibibio traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as malaria and fever among others. The stem extract of Telfairia occidentalis was investigated for antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities in rodents using various experimental models.The stem extract (200 –600 mg/kg) of T. occidentalis was investigated for antiinflammatory activity against carrageenin, egg albumin and xylene – induced edema models and antipyretic activity against D-amphetamine, 2,4-dinitrophenol and yeast-induced pyrexia models. The extract caused a significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation caused by different phlogistic agents used. These effects were comparable to those of the standard drug, (ASA, 100 mg/kg) used in some cases. The extract also exerted prominent inhibition of pyrexia on amphetamine and dinitrophenol-induced pyrexia (5 h). Inhibition was significant (p<0.05–0.001) from 3 to 5 h post- administration of extract and in a dose-dependent fashion. However, the stem extract did not affect yeast-induced pyrexia in mice. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of this plant may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant. The findings of this work confirm the ethnomedical uses of this plant to treat inflammatory and febrile conditions
In Silico Analysis of Ocimum Basilicum Flavonoids as Natural Antihypertensive Agent on Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor (AT1R)
Full text linkDespite the efficacy of antihypertensive medications like ARBs, their adverse effects frequently result in suboptimal adherence. This study investigates the efficacy of flavonoids obtained from herbal sources as natural substitutes for traditional antihypertensive therapies. This study employed in silico molecular docking to examine the binding affinity of flavonoids to the angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) in comparison to standard angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), namely Eprosartan, Azilsartan, Irbesartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, and Candesartan. Docking analysis indicated that the flavonoids exhibited a favorable binding affinity of -8.8 kcal/mol for AT1R. Moreover, ADME and toxicity assessments indicated that flavonoids exhibit advantageous pharmacokinetics and minimal toxicity, with no significant adverse interactions anticipated with primary metabolic enzymes. The structural validation, encompassing Ramachandran plots and ERRAT analysis, affirmed the reliability of the modeled AT1R protein, achieving a quality score of 97.13%. This study concludes that flavonoids derived from Ocimum basilicum exhibit significant potential as natural antihypertensive agents. These findings may facilitate the development of plant-based therapies with minimal adverse effects, enhance treatment adherence, and improve the pharmacological options for managing hypertension
The Effect of Angkak Addition Towards DPPH Antioxidant Activity and Yields in Mixed Angkak-Red Ginger Extracts
Full text linkAngkak and red ginger, which represents West Borneo’s Chinese ethnic group’s herbal cooking, were studied to produce antioxidant activity through shogaol along with monacolin K and respond to DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test. This research aims to combine the two ingredients into extracts and observe how they affect the yields and IC50 value. Methods were started with the extraction of both materials in a variety of simplicia powder weights using 800 rpm stirring speed at 60°C for 120 minutes. The extracts were then tested for percentage yield (%), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. IBM SPSS Statistics 25 analysis was also carried out at the end for yields and IC50 values data. Results showed that the angkak addition affected the IC50 value without giving any significant impact on each yield amount (p-value>0,05). Increased angkak in the variations led to the IC50 values decrease, ranging from 122.996 ppm (Mix 1) to 225.399 ppm (Mix 3). Angkak’s pigments and red ginger’s polyphenol compounds which provide antioxidant ability were found to occupy Mix extracts based on the TLC profile. In conclusion, angkak decreased the DPPH antioxidant activity of its extract combination with red ginger, but did not affect the yield percentage
The Potency of Kuldon® Solution in The Healing Process of Aphthous Stomatitis
Full text linkObjectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Kuldon® solution in the healing process of aphthous stomatitis. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 subjects (27 males, 33 females), randomly assigned to receive either Kuldon® solution (Drug A) or hyaluronic acid rinse (Drug B). Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and lesion diameter was measured on days 2, 5, and 7. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05). Results: Drug A showed a greater reduction in pain and lesion size compared to Drug B. By day 5, 100% of Drug A users reported no pain, with 90% showing lesion reduction.Conclusion: Kuldon® solution demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in managing aphthous stomatitis
Phytochemical Screening and Blood Glucose Response of Red Dragon Fruit Extract in Alloxan-Induced Mice
Full text linkDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to various complications. Natural products, including red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), have gained attention for their potential antidiabetic properties due to their phytochemical content, particularly flavonoids. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition of red dragon fruit extract and its effect on blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Phytochemical screening was conducted qualitatively to identify the presence of secondary metabolites. Male mice were divided into five groups: a negative control group (no treatment), a positive control group (metformin 10 mg/kg BW), and three treatment groups (T1, T2, T3) receiving red dragon fruit extract at doses of 18.2, 36.4, and 72.8 mg/kg BW, respectively. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (140 mg/kg BW). Treatments were administered orally once daily for 6 days. Blood glucose levels were measured on days 0, 2, 4, and 6. Data were analyzed using the Friedmann test. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins in the extract. Statistical analysis showed no significant reduction in blood glucose levels after administration of red dragon fruit extract at any of the tested doses (p>0.05). Red dragon fruit extract did not exhibit a significant antihyperglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic mice under the tested conditions. This may be attributed to suboptimal dosage, insufficient flavonoid concentration, or a less effective mechanism of action compared to standard therapy. Further studies are needed to optimize the formulation and evaluate its potential using different extraction methods or in combination with other bioactive compounds
Beneficial Effect of Sumbawa Wild Horse Milk Yogurt on Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk in Rats on a High-Cholesterol Diet
Full text linkCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in Indonesia, with a high prevalence due to a high-cholesterol diet that triggers hypercholesterolemia. The use of statins as a long-term pharmacological therapy often causes side effects, so safe natural alternatives are needed. Sumbawa wild horse milk is a potential functional food source that contains essential fatty acids and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which have probiotic potential. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Sumbawa wild horse milk yogurt on total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Atherogenic Index (AI), and Cardiac Risk Ratio (CRR) levels in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar rats. A total of 30 rats were divided into six groups: normal, positive control (high-cholesterol diet), negative control (simvastatin), and three treatment groups, T1, T2, and T3, with doses of Sumbawa wild horse milk yogurt of 2, 3, and 4 ml/day, respectively, for 28 days. The results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels (p = 0.006), with the lowest levels observed in the T3 treatment group (95.25 ± 20.17 mg/dL). Although HDL, LDL, IA, and CRR levels did not show significant differences (p > 0.05), a trend of improvement in lipid profiles was observed in the treatment group, characterized by an increase in HDL and a decrease in LDL, AI, and CRR compared to the positive control. The mechanism of cholesterol reduction is thought to be mediated through the activity of LAB, which assimilates cholesterol, facilitates bile acid deconjugation, and produces short-chain fatty acids that inhibit cholesterol absorption. Thus, Sumbawa wild horse milk yogurt has the potential to be a hypocholesterolemic functional food that can improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and CVD
Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial of the LAB from Bekasam: The Traditional Fermented Fish in Indonesia
Full text linkLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are frequently utilized in fermented foods and can incresed shelf life for the products through their secondary metabolites includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and bacteriocins. Beside increasing the shelf life, LAB also affect taste, smelt, and texture. Thus, this study aimed to isolate, identify and evaluate antibacterial LAB strains from Indonesian traditional fermented fish (Bekasam). Gram staining, the catalase assay, and motility assays were used to initially characterize the presumed isolates phenotypically following primary isolation on De Man, Rogosa, and Sharper (MRS) agar. 14 isloates were determined to be presumed LAB by preliminary phenotypic testing. One species that has the highest antibacterial activity is confirmed by a 16S rRNA sequencing study. Lactobacillus plantarum CP-134 was identified from the bekasam. In the biochemical characterization all isolates were catalase-negative and non-motile. According to our research, these LAB strains may have applications in fermented foods due to their probiotic properties, which include antibacterial activity. They might be used as natural substitutes for additives and antibiotics, but more in vivo or in silico research is required to verify their potential and effectiveness. A typical traditional food preservation technique for enhancing shelf life, food safety and nutrition and sensory qualities is fermentation. Bekasam is a traditional fermented food from Indonesia