Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Washed Erythrocyte (WE) Bag Bacteria Brevundimonas vesicularis Identification at the Blood Donor Unit PMI DKI Jakarta
Full text linkA Packed Red Cell (PRC) component known as a washed erythrocyte (WE) has undergone two to three washings with sterile physiological saline to get rid of 99% of the plasma protein, antibodies, and some leukocytes. The goal of this study was to use Bact/alert media to detect the presence or absence of bacteria (anaerobes or aerobes) in WE blood components because there is a chance that germs from the environment could contaminate WE processing because it is still an open system and the manufacturing is still exposed to the elements. Blood samples come from WE blood products that have undergone quality checks for bacterial contamination in a lab dedicated to product quality. Checking for bacterial contamination in the blood involves utilizing the Bact / Alert tool to examine bacterial contamination. Blood product aerobic (BPA) and blood product anaerobic (BPN) media are used in the culture of blood product sample on Bact/alert. Aside from 1 (2.44%) component sample of WE blood that was identified as bacteria in BPA media, the results of the 41 samples examined in 2020 showed that there was aerobic bacterial contamination in BPA media but no anaerobic bacterial contamination in BPN media. This was confirmed by the examination of samples on BPN media, which yielded negative results in 41 samples (100%) and positive results from none of the 41 samples. The results of identification at the Microbiology Laboratory at the University of Indonesia showed that the aerobic bacteria that contaminated washed erythrocyte (WE) blood products on BPA microbiology media were Brevundimonas vesicularis
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Croton zambesicus Root Extract: In Vivo Inhibitory Effect on Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase of Rats
Full text linkDiabetes mellitus is a global health challenge, necessitating the need for alternative treatments. Croton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceace) a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of some ailments was investigated for its inhibitory potential on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in rats. The root extract of C. zambesicus (27 - 81 mg/kg) was investigated in vivo for the inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes using starch, sucrose, and maltose as substrates. Acarbose was used as a reference drug. Blood glucose levels (BGL) of rats, post administration of the substrate and extract concurrently, were monitored over 3 hours as a parameter to measure the inhibitory potential of the extract. The root extract dose-dependently caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels of treated rats with the various substrates used. The results suggest that the root extract of Croton zambesicus has the potentials to inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase in rats
Detection of The p53 Gene in Formalin Fixed Tissue Archives by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Method
Full text linkFormalin fixed tissue archives are tissue biopsy results stored in formaldehyde fixative solution for a long time. The p53 gene is one of the genes that suppresses tumor occurrence and maintains genomic stability to prevent cell mutation and plays a role in the DNA regulation cycle and controls cell proliferation. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a nucleic acid amplification technique used to denature and denature DNA or RNA using polymerase enzymes to detect the presence of the p53 gene in formalin-fixed tissue archival samples. This study aimed to detect the presence of the p53 gene in formalin-fixed tissue samples. This study used a descriptive research method with a random sampling technique conducted in the anatomical pathology laboratory and the National College of Health Sciences molecular biology laboratory. The samples in this study consisted of 10 samples consisting of 2 normal tissues used as controls and 8 formalin-fixed tissue samples. In this study, the p53 gene was detected in all samples, both normal tissue samples and formalin-fixed tissue samples after electrophoresis and visualized according to the target of 666 bp (base pair). The presence of the p53 gene qualitatively from DNA isolates can still be detected, but the gene expression level cannot be known in this study
Identification of Total Coliform Bacteria in Processed Enbal Food in Several Traditional Markets in Ambon City
Full text linkEnbal is a traditional food from Maluku, originally from the Kei Islands, made from bitter cassava (Manihot esculenta). This processed food product holds significant historical and cultural value. However, enbal can become a source of illness if not prepared properly, leading to contamination and an increased risk of foodborne diseases. This study aimed to determine the microbiological quality through total plate count (TPC) analysis and bacterial identification of enbal at several traditional markets in Ambon City. It was a descriptive observational study with a true experimental laboratory approach. The TPC results for enbal food samples from Mardika market ranged from 14.5 × 102 CFU/g to 4.85 × 104 CFU/g, Waiheru market ranged from 8.3 × 102 CFU/g to 3.2 × 105 CFU/g, Batu Merah market ranged from 11.0 × 104 to 3.0 × 105 CFU/g, and Passo market ranged from 2.4 × 102 CFU/g to 3.75 × 105 CFU/g. The results of bacterial species identification from the four enbal food samples revealed Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Thus, it can be concluded that the four enbal samples examined are safe for consumption as they do not exceed the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 01-2997-1996, which is 1 x 106 CFU/g
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Kalanchoe Pinnata: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Activities
Full text linkNatural products are vital in drug discovery for their bioactive compounds. This study evaluated Kalanchoe pinnata's leaf extracts for antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. GC-MS identified seven components in hexane and twenty in methanol extracts. The ethyl acetate extract had high phenolic (485.17 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (40.25 mg QE/g) contents. Methanol extract showed strong antioxidant (IC50: 293.53 µg/mL) and anti-alpha glucosidase (IC50: 195.39 µg/mL) activity. Antimicrobial tests showed varied effectiveness, while chloroform and acetone extracts exhibited notable cytotoxicity. ADMET predictions assessed absorption and blood-brain barrier penetration, highlighting K. pinnata's potential for drug development
The Effect of Pilocarpine Hydrochloride on The Occurrence of Temporal Lobe Epileptic Seizures in White Mice (Mus musculus L.) BALB/C Strain
Full text linkThe objective of this research was to determine the effective dosage of pilocarpine hydrochloride to provoke epileptic seizures in animal models. In this study, a true-experimental method was utilized, employing a post-test only control group design. A total of 32 white mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus UICC 524) BALB/c strains were divided into four different groups for this study. The experimental groups were subjected to varying dosages of pilocarpine hydrochloride: 220 mg/kgBW as group I, 320 mg/kgBW as group II, and 350 mg/kgBW as group III. On the other hand, the control group was administered a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) at a dosage of 0.16% ml/kgBW. Both pilocarpine hydrochloride and saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p) into mice. In group I, none of the mice experienced epileptic seizures, and they all survived. In contrast, in group III, all the mice experienced epileptic seizures, but none of them survived. The Man-Whitney Test showed significant differences in seizure occurrence across doses (p<0.01). The effective dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride for inducing epileptic seizures associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in this study appears to be in the range of 320 mg/kgBW to 350 mg/kgBW
Enhancement of Probiotic Viability and Antioxidant Activity in Yogurt Treated with Corn Silk Extract
Full text linkYogurt is a widely consumed fermented milk product known for its numerous health benefits, while corn silk, the pistil of corn, is a byproduct rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidants. This study assessed the antioxidant activity of yogurt fortified with corn silk extract. Yogurt was prepared by fermenting cow's milk with a yogurt starter culture. The antioxidant activity of the resulting yogurt was evaluated using the DPPH method. The results demonstrated that the yogurt enriched with corn silk exhibited a total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count of 1.2 × 108 cfu/mL, a pH of 4.4, a lactic acid content of 1.34%, and an antioxidant activity of 54%. In contrast, the control yogurt without corn silk had a LAB count of 1.9 × 10ⷠcfu/mL, a pH of 4.5, a lactic acid content of 0.93%, and an antioxidant activity of 47%. Organoleptic evaluations revealed no significant differences in taste, aroma, texture, or overall acceptability between the two yogurt types. The addition of corn silk significantly increased the antioxidant activity, total microbial count, and lactic acid content of the yogurt. These findings suggest that corn silk extract can be a beneficial natural additive to enhance the antioxidant properties of yogurt, thereby improving its nutritional value
In silico Toxicity Prediction of Ethanol Extract of Cola rostrata (K. Schum.) Epicarp
Full text linkAbstract. The ethanol extract of the epicarp of Cola rostrata fruit has been reported to possess notable pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects; however, its toxicological profile remains understudied. This study evaluated the metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy-identified phytochemicals from C. rostrata epicarp. In silico analysis and molecular docking of components of the extract were carried out using ADMETlab2.0 platform and Autodock4 tools. Visualization of molecular binding interactions was done using Discovery Studio-2020. Ten of the 48 compounds in the extract, including 1-(4-Methoxyphenylazo)-2-phenoxynaphthalene, Anthiaergostan-5,7,9-trien-14.alpha.,15.alpha.-diol and 2-Hydroxychalcone, were predicted to have high probability of inducing liver injury, oxidative stress and inhibiting cytochrome-P450 enzymes. Molecular docking revealed that 1-(4-Methoxyphenylazo)-2-phenoxynaphthalene binds strongly to NADH dehydrogenase 1 (-7.78 kcal/mol) and CYP2C19 (-9.93 kcal/mol), with the compound interacting with Thr301, Leu361 and Leu366 at the active site of CYP2C19. 2-Hydroxychalcone binds strongly to CYP2C19 (-8.07 kcal/mol) and to Na+/K+-ATPase (-7.49 kcal/mol), while, Anthiaergostan-5,7,9-trien-14.alpha.,15.alpha.-diol binds strongly to CYP2C19 (-9.56 kcal/mol) and CYP1A2 (-8.71 kcal/mol). The extract showed strong potential to induce toxic outcomes. The abundance of antioxidant phytosterols in the extract may counterbalance the potential toxicity. While C. rostrata holds therapeutic potential, molecular interactions of its phytochemicals highlight risks of toxicity
Soybean Plant Growth and Production Response (Glycine max (L.) Merril) to the Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (Poc) Apu – Apu (Pistia stratiotes L.) Plant and Various Soil Reformers on Ultisol Soil Media
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield responses of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) to the application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from apu-apu (Pistia stratiotes L.) and various soil conditioners on Ultisol soil. The research was carried out from September to December 2020 at the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Medan Area, located at an altitude of 22 masl with flat topography, Ultisol soil characteristics, and a soil pH of 4.94. The experimens used a randomized block design with two factors: (1) concensrations of apu-apu LOF (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% per liter of water) and (2) types of soil conditioners (no conditioner, rice-husk biochar, Mucuna bracteata green manure, and human-hair organic amendmens at 50 g per polybag). Observed parameters included plans height, number of branches, flowering age, number of bunches per plans and per plot, number of pods per plans and per plot, seed weight per plans and per plot, and 100-seed dry weight. The results showed that the application of LOF from apu-apu significansly increased several agronomic and yield componenss, namely number of branches at 6 WAP, number of bunches per plans and per plot, number of pods per plans and per plot, seed weight per plans and per plot, and 100-seed dry weight. Meanwhile, the application of differens soil conditioners produced highly significans effects on plans height at 4–6 WAP, number of pods per plant and per plot, seed weight per plans and per plot, and 100-seed dry weight, although it did not significansly affect the number of branches or number of bunches. Overall, the combination of LOF and soil conditioners improved soybean growth and productivity in Ultisol soil conditions
Comparative Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Lemon Peel and Peppermint Leaves Extracts in Mice
Full text linkDepression and anxiety are prevalent psychiatric disorders, and current treatments are often limited by side effects, delayed onset, and resistance. Natural products are being explored as safer alternatives, and lemon peel (Citrus limon) and peppermint leaves (Mentha × piperita L.) contain diverse bioactive compounds with neuroprotective potential. This study evaluated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of their ethanolic extracts, individually and in combination, in male Swiss Webster mice. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids in both extracts. Antidepressant activity, assessed by the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), showed that both extracts and their low-dose combination significantly reduced immobility time, with effects comparable to fluoxetine. In contrast, the high-dose combination did not enhance efficacy. Anxiolytic activity, evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light-Dark Box (LDB), revealed that peppermint extract exerted the strongest effect, followed by the low-dose combination and lemon peel. Acute oral toxicity testing at 2000 mg/kg showed no mortality or adverse effects. These findings suggest that lemon peel and peppermint extracts possess antidepressant and anxiolytic properties with favorable safety profiles, supporting their potential as natural alternatives or adjuncts for managing mood disorders