Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Durian Seed Flour (Durio zibethinus Murr) as an Alternative Medium for Fungal Growth
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the potential of durian seed flour (Durio zibethinus Murr) as an alternative medium for the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The bleaching process utilized sodium metabisulfite at varying concentrations (600 ppm, 800 ppm, 1000 ppm) and immersion durations (15, 20, 25 minutes). The bleached samples were dried at 70℃ for 3 hours. Durian seed flour media were formulated into three variants and compared with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as the control medium. The activity test for Candida albicans used the pour plate method with incubation for 48 hours at 37℃, while Aspergillus niger was tested using the agar block method and incubated for 72 hours under the same conditions. Immersion duration significantly affected the flour's color, with longer durations producing whiter flour. Higher drying temperatures enhanced water evaporation efficiency, resulting in an average moisture content of 10.56%, compliant with national standards. The best medium formulation was F1 (10 g durian seed flour, 2 g sugar, 1.5 g agar, 0.25 g micronutrients, 100 mL distilled water), yielding 3.6 × 10ⷠCFU/mL of Candida albicans colonies and an Aspergillus niger growth diameter of 28.5 mm after 72 hours of incubation. However, sporulation of Aspergillus niger was better on PDA media. Durian seed flour shows potential as an alternative fungal growth medium
Phytochemicals, Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Composition of Aqueous Extracts of White and Red Onions Bulbs
Get PDFOnion bulbs have been consumed for foods and nutrition and management of many diseases including infections, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemicals, nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of the aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs. Analytical techniques AOAC and AAS were used in phytochemicals and proximate analysis and determination of minerals, heavy metals, determination of anti-nutrients content of the aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs. The findings showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones in the aqueous extracts of red and white onions bulbs. The aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs contain significant (p < 0.05) amounts of moisture (89.68 and 87.04%), ash (3.22 and 2.03%), fiber (3.00 and 2.00%), carbohydrates (2.33 and 2.59%), proteins (3.19 and 1.04%), and crude lipids (1.22 and 2.66%), respectively. The aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) level of potassium (987.10 and 756.24 ppm), sodium (42.50 and 32.50 ppm), calcium (8.90 and 6.10 ppm), phosphorus (3.87 and 4.04 ppm), zinc (2.32 and 1.13 ppm), magnesium (1.85 and 1.12 ppm), iron (0.62 and 0.58 ppm), and copper (0.47 and 0.17 ppm), respectively. Low concentrations of nickel (0.112 and 0.524 ppm), lead (0.034 and 0.023 ppm), cadmium (0.029 and 0.014 ppm), and chromiun (0.090 and 0.032 ppm) were observed in the aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs contain, respectively. The aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs exhibited moderate and low amounts of cynogenic glycosides (3.00 and 12.46 mg/100g), saponins (2.02 and 2.07 mg/100g), oxalate (0.63 and 3.75 mg/100g), tannins (0.90 and 1.09 mg/100g), and phytate (0.38 and 1.49 mg/100g), respectively. The aqueous extracts of white and red onions bulbs contain various phytochemicals and significant amounts of important nutrients with trace quantity of certain heavy metals and anti-nutrients
Superoxide Anion Radicals Biosensor Based on Protein Extract from Deinococcus Radiodurans Immobilization by Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked
Get PDFA common enzyme for superoxide anion radicals biosensors is superoxide dismutase (SOD). Deinococcus radiodurans protein extract can replace the use of pure SOD enzymes for superoxide anion radicals biosensors. The purpose of this research is to determine the analytical performance of the superoxide anion radicals biosensor with protein extract of Deinococcus radiodurans immobilized on carboxymethylcellulose-gelatin-zeolit (CMC-G-Z) that is crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The response surface method showed that the optimum condition for the biosensor was pH 7, protein extract concentration of 1075 µg/ml, zeolite concentration of 5 mg/ml, and glutaraldehyde concentration of 0.0042 M. Stability of the biosensor retained 67% of its sensitivity after use for 24 hours. The biosensor exhibits good analytical performance with a linear range from 0.1 – 0.8 mM, a detection limit of 77.84 µM, and a limit of quantification of 259.5 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9905
Effectiveness of Botanical Pesticide from Keji Beling Leaves (Strobilanthes crispus) on Spinach Plants (Amaranthus tricolor L.) Against Pest Intensity
Get PDFCrop failure in cultivated plants can be influenced by several factors, including pest attacks. Pest control in plants is often carried out using pesticides made from chemical compounds, which can have negative effects on health and the environment. One alternative to chemical pesticides is the use of botanical pesticides. This study aims to determine the effect of botanical pesticides made from keji beling leaves (Strobilanthes crispus) on the intensity of pest attacks on spinach plants (Amaranthus tricolor L.). The research was conducted using an experimental method from June to August 2024 in Kelapa Tujuh Village, South Kotabumi District, North Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, and at the Zoology Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Raden Intan State Islamic University, Lampung. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: applying botanical pesticides at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 0% (control). Each treatment was repeated 16 times, resulting in 64 plant samples. The parameters studied included pest attack intensity, plant height, and root length. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and further tested with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level to determine significant differences. Phytochemical screening tests revealed that keji beling leaf-based botanical pesticides contain alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. The results showed that applying botanical pesticides from keji beling leaves influenced all the parameters studied. The treatment with a 75% concentration was the most effective, resulting in the lowest leaf damage at only 10%, a plant height of 22.40 cm, and a root length of 13.47 cm. Based on these findings, keji beling leaf-based botanical pesticides have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative for pest control in spinach cultivation
Extracellular Metabolites of Clove-Endophytic Bacteria, Niallia nealsonii DCL1, Exhibit Potential Cellular Antioxidant and Antiaging Activities
Get PDFThe clove plant, Syzygium aromaticum L., is a highly valued spice in Indonesia, recognized for its extensive applications in food preservation and medicinal uses. In a prior study, six endophytic bacteria were successfully isolated from clove leaves. One of these isolates, designated as DCL1, is a Gram-positive bacterium identified as Niallia nealsonii. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and antiaging properties of the extracellular metabolite of DCL1. Extracellular metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate and evaluated for antioxidant activity via the DPPH assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were also quantified with further metabolilte profiling using Liquid Chromatography Tandem-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Further study of antiaging activity was assayed using yeast model Schizosacchromyces pombe. The extract from N. nealsonii DCL1 cultures harvested at 28 and 40 hours yielded 0.01% and 0.009%, respectively. Our findings indicate that the 40-hour extract contains higher levels of phenolics (93.54 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and flavonoids (12.09 mg quercetin equivalents/g extract) compared to the 28-hour extract. Additionally, the 40-hour extract exhibited greater antioxidant activity than the 28-hour extract, as demonstrated by DPPH (IC50 222 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 511.43 µg/mL) assays. Moreover, the 40-hour extract significantly prolonged the viability of S. pombe, suggesting its potential as an anti-aging agent. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several potential bioactive compounds, including gallic acid and N-carbamoyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzamide, which may contribute to its bioactivity. Ultimately, our study indicates that DCL1 40-h extract showed antiaging potential, which is promising as source and formulation of biopharmaceutical or cosmeceutical products.
Potential of Kedabu (Sonneratia ovata Backer) Fruit Juice Supplemented in Kombucha Beverage as Antibacterial Agent
Get PDFRiau Province has abundant natural resources of mangrove forests almost along the coast of Riau. Mangrove fruit can be developed into various processed foods, but processed foods derived from mangroves have not been widely developed and are of interest to coastal communities. Kombucha tea is a probiotic beverage produced through the fermentation of tea and sugar using a kombucha starter known as SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The presence of sugar in kombucha colonies is a vital source of nutrition. Additionally, fruit juice can be incorporated to create variations of kombucha tea. Kedabu fruit (Sonneratia ovata B.), a native fruit of Riau Province, is recognized for its high carbohydrate content and secondary metabolites, which exhibit potential antibacterial properties. This research developed four formulations of kombucha tea, each with different concentrations of kedabu fruit juice (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%). The study’s objectives were to formulate, evaluate the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of these formulations against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The organoleptic properties, alcohol content, pH, %TTA (Total Acidity Titratable), total LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria), and yeast count were assessed during a 14-day fermentation period. The assay results indicated that the kombucha fruit kedabu tea formulation exhibited favorable organoleptic characteristics, a decrease in pH, an increase in %TTA, total LAB, and yeast count within the acceptable range defined by standards. Moreover, it displayed inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, falling within the weak to moderate categories
Presence of Salmonella sp. In Tilapia and Catfish from Cages in Pahandut Seberang Along the Kahayan River Flow
Get PDFSalmonellosis is a zoonosis, which means that it may be spread from animals to people through fish meat. It is a sickness brought on by an infection with the salmonella bacteria that infect humans and animals and invade the digestive tract. According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the global rate of salmonellosis in 2019 was 4.22 cases per 100,000 people, with a 1.72 fatality rate. Indonesia had a mortality rate of 2.42 and 5.82 per 100,000 people 2019. The objective of this study is to identify Salmonella sp. bacteria in 14 samples of river water, catfish (Clariidae), and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised in rivers. This study includes two water samples, three catfish samples, and nine tilapia samples from the cage of the Pahandut Seberang River in Palangka Raya City. It employs a descriptive research design using an experimental technique. Among the metrics noted is the detection of Salmonella sp. The study found that all water samples, tilapia, and catfish tested positive for Salmonella sp bacteria in the selective media Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA), that 14 samples (100%) in the gram staining test displayed the traits of Salmonella sp bacteria, and that 5 samples (B N1, C N2-3 samples in tilapia, B L1 samples in catfish, and water sample 2 showed the type of Salmonella paratyphoid b bacteria) and 9 samples, namely samples Salmonella tyhpimarium bacteria were found in samples A L1, C L1 in catfish, B N2-3, C N1 in tilapia, and water 1. As a result, every sample surpassed the SNI 7388:2009 maximum level of microbial contamination, which is positive/25g. According to the Indonesian National Standardization Agency's SNI 7388:2009 guidelines for the upper limit of microbial contamination in food, the tilapia meat, catfish, and river water in the river cage of Kahayan Pahandut Seberang Palangka Raya City do not satisfy the requirements
Molecular Method Optimization to Identify Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene as a Predictor of Antimalarial Resistance
Get PDFSeveral approaches have been designed to control malaria, a disease with high morbidity and mortality, but they face some hurdles. Antimalarial resistance is one of the major challenges for malaria elimination, so the detection of antimalarial resistance is essential. Several molecular markers for antimalarial resistance have been identified, including Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene. This study determined the optimization of molecular techniques to identify the pfmdr1 gene as an antimalarial resistance predictor in Indonesia. The study included patients diagnosed with uncomplicated or severe malaria originating from the health district of Kerom Regency, Papua Province, and Dr. Soebandi Hospital, Jember, East Java Province. Blood samples were collected in the Whatmann filer paper after informed consent. DNA was isolated from dried blood filter paper, and nested PCR was performed using a specific primer, the pfmdr1-A and pfmdr1-B genes. The PCR cycle was optimized based on previous studies. The pfmdr1-A has a similar setting to the earlier study, but the pfmdr1-B had a different optimum setting from the previous study with the annealing temperature of 57oC for nested-1 and 62oC for nested-2. This PCR setting could be used for further examination. The positive results of the amplification indicated the potential for antimalarial resistance in the parasite population. A study on the gene copy number and polymorphism is essential to determine the definitive conclusion on antimalarial resistance
In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Lime Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe petandra (L.) Miq.) Extract Against Escherichia coli
Get PDFThe increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of lime mistletoe (Dendrophthoe petandra (L.) Miq.) extract against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 using the disc diffusion method. Extract concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% were prepared alongside negative (distilled water) and positive (Cefadroxil) controls. Nutrient Agar (NA) media were inoculated with E. coli and discs impregnated with each concentration were placed on the media, followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. The inhibition zones were measured to assess antibacterial activity. Results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in antibacterial efficacy, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 8.3 mm at 20% extract to 20.3 mm at 100% extract concentration. The highest concentration’s inhibition zone was comparable to that of Cefadroxil (22.5 mm). No inhibition was observed in the negative control. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between treatment groups (p < 0.05). The antibacterial activity of lime mistletoe extract is likely due to its bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolics, which are known to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit microbial growth. These findings suggest that Dendrophthoe petandra extract holds potential as a natural antibacterial agent, providing an alternative to conventional antibiotics amid growing resistance issues. Further studies involving isolation of active compounds, toxicity evaluation, and in vivo testing are recommended to validate its clinical applicability
Protective Effects of L-Carnitine on Growth and Cardiac Function in High-Glucose-Exposed Zebrafish Embryos
Get PDFDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, and maternal hyperglycaemia during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal developmental complications. This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of L-carnitine against glucose-induced embryotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fertilized embryos were exposed to 5% glucose with or without L-carnitine supplementation (50 or 100 uM). Developmental outcomes including survival, hatching, malformations, body length, and heart rate were assessed using microscopy and analyzed by ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. High glucose significantly reduced survival (hazard ratio = 6.86; p < 0.0001), delayed hatching (median hatching time 84 vs. 60 hpf; HR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.08–0.39; p < 0.0001), and induced growth retardation and bradycardia (p < 0.0001). L-carnitine did not rescue survival or hatching but partially ameliorated growth impairment (p < 0.05) and restored heart rate in a dose-dependent manner, with 100 uM supplementation approaching control values (p < 0.001). Morphological abnormalities such as yolk sac edema and spinal curvature remained present but less severe with co-treatment. In conclusion, L-carnitine confers partial protective effects on growth and cardiac function under hyperglycaemic stress, although it does not prevent early lethality