Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology
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Hesperitin Synergistically Promotes the Senescence Induction of Pentagamavunone-1 in Luminal Breast Cancer Cells, T47D
Full text linkPentagamavunone-1 (PGV-1), a curcumin analog, is a promising anticancer candidate for several cancers that have been proven in vitro and in vivo. However, the efficacy of PGV-1 against breast cancer is subject to improvement to achieve a more suitable application. Here we propose hesperitin, a citrus flavonoid, to increase the anticancer potency of PGV-1 in luminal breast cancer cells. We use the T47D cell as the model to investigate the effect of co-administration of PGV-1 and hesperitin on cell cycle block, apoptosis modulation, and senescence phenomena. PGV-1 and hesperitin showed strong and weak cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 2 µM and 100 µM, respectively. The co-treatment of PGV-1 and hesperitin resulted in strong synergistic effects with combination index (CI) value of ≤ 0.2. This combination caused apoptosis in correlation with cell cycle disruption in G2/M phase at 48 h. In particular, PGV-1 and hesperitin combination increased the incidence of cellular senescence significantly higher than the single treatment. Despite its senescence potentiation, hesperitin did not induce senescence in normal cells. Taken together, hesperitin may increase the anticancer potency of PGV-1 by modulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the senescence mechanism.
Metal Bioaccumulation in Albino Rat Tissues Treated with Decontaminated Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca L.)
Full text linkUlva lactuca is a macroalgae that contains high nutritional values. The heavy metal contaminants in natural Ulva lactuca needs to be eliminated or decreased using natural agent. The aim of this research was to determine the bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd, Hg, and the impact on liver and gastrointestinal function. Parameters of this research were Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), SGPT levels, SGOT levels, bioaccumulation Pb, Cd, Hg, and histological structure of liver and small intestine. Besides that, the progression of body weight was observed. Twelve female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769) were randomly assigned to three groups: Control, NU (treated with natural Ulva lactuca), and DU (treated with heavy metal decontaminated Ulva lactuca using Averrhoa bilimbi juice).Treatment was carried out orally at a dose of 1000 mg/Kg BW/day for 30 days. Histological structure of rat’s liver and small intestine were prepared after necropsy at the end of this research. Based on results, it can be concluded that there were no significant differences observed in HSI, SGPT, and SGOT levels among the groups. However, there was a tendency for an increase in total bilirubin levels in the decontaminated Ulva lactuca group. Both natural and heavy metal decontaminated Ulva lactuca showed histological damage on liver and small intestine. Bioaccumulation of Cd and Hg in the liver and gastrointestinal tract of rats after consuming decontaminated Ulva lactuca was lower than the natural Ulva lactuca group, but need more observations.
Reproductive Behavior and Parental Role of Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801)
Full text linkThe giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy Lacepede, 1801), a popular aquaculture species in Southeast Asia, exhibits unique cooperative biparental care behaviour. To support captive breeding efforts, this study aimed to visually document the reproductive activity of giant gourami, elucidate each stage in detail, and provide insights into the distinct parenting roles of males and females. Underwater cameras were used to observe a breeding pair of gourami in a pond for five days, conducted three times with different pairs during different spawning periods. The male and female contributions to nest building were quantitatively analysed using the T-test, while their parental care involvement was qualitatively assessed and statistically analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The results revealed three main phases of giant gourami reproduction: pre-spawning (including adaptation, nest building, and courtship), spawning and fertilisation, and post-spawning with parental care. Our observation confirmed the biparental tendency, with males being more involved in pre-spawning activities and females taking on a prominent role in post-spawning care. In conclusion, males focused on mating preparations and courtship, while females invested more in parental care
Phytochemical Properties, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity Activity of Knobweed (Hyptis capitata) from South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Full text linkHyptis capitata Jacq. known as Sumambu plants in Sulawesi, has phytopharmaceutical importance. H. capitata extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity. Using the maceration yielded five types of extracts: root chloroform (RC), root methanol (RM), leaf chloroform (LC), leaf methanol (LM), and leaf ethanol (LE). Phytochemical properties were identified by qualifying procedure and digital image analysis for quantifying Red-Green-Blue (RGB) percentage and hex colour code. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cytotoxicity screening of each extract was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against HeLa and 4T1 cells. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) assay was used to identify the phytochemical compounds of the extracts with the most promising potential. Alkaloids were the major constituents of the phytochemicals of RC, RM, LE, LC, and LM. RM and LM have potency and weak free radical scavenging activities, with IC50 value 31.08 and 58.03 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 of RC and RM against HeLa cells were 84.21 ± 0.63 and 172.10 ± 02.90 µg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the cytotoxicity of RC and RM against 4T1 cells were 86.42 ± 0.80 and 182.82 ± 7.00 µg/mL, respectively. It means RC and RM exhibit a moderate level of cytotoxicity in both HeLa and 4T1 cells. LM shows moderate cytotoxicity, but it is limited to 4T1 cells with an IC50 value of 181.86 ± 12.68 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity level of extracts was lower than doxorubicin. Campesterol, ferruginol, stigmasterol, cis-13-octadecenoic acid methyl esters, and methyl palmitate were predicted to play a role in the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of RC, RM, and LM. RC, RM, and LM possess the potential for development as anticancer agents. Moreover, RM shows promise as an antioxidant due to its notable radical scavenging activity. Further research is required to explore the cytotoxic effects of RC, RM, and LM on normal cells and to assess their toxicity in experimental animals.
Characterization of Flower’s Color based on CHS Gene Structure in Phalaenopsis ‘OX Queen’ and Dendrobium ‘Cheddi Jagan’ Orchids
Full text linkOrchids (Orchidaceae) are ornamental plants known for their high aesthetic value attributed to the shapes, colours, and fragrances of their flowers. Two types of hybrid orchids with attractive flowers, namely the Phalaenopsis 'OX Queen' orchid and the Dendrobium 'Cheddi Jagan' boast attractive flowers were used in this research, because of the beauty of its flower colour. The objective of this research is to characterise the morphology of flower colour and CHS (Chalcone Synthase) gene content that induces flower colour. The method used in this research analyzing the flower’s colour by using the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) colour chart and molecular analysis by DNA genomic isolation and PCR amplification of gDNA for CHS gene specific primers. The results showed that purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as Deep Purple Pink (N73A) and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as Strong Reddish Purple (N72C). The CHS gene can be amplified in P. ’OX Queen’ 1,287 bp and D. ’Cheddi jagan’ 3,731 bp. In both orchids, the results of amplification showed CHS motifs with conserved domains PLN03172 and PLN03170. The research results show that there is a significant difference in the morphology of the flowers of orchids. Purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as N73A and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as N73C. The results showed that gDNA can be isolated by using CTAB method according to Murray and Thomson, and the CHS gene can be amplified by using CHS primers, resulting 1200 bp of P. 'OX Queen' and 2500 bp for D. 'Cheddi Jagan'. Through this study, preliminary data is expected to be obtained for future research, which is the formation of variegated flowers through editing the CRISPR/Cas9 genome in the CHS gene. This research is intended to support further studies on the formation of variegated flower patterns in P. 'OX Queen' and D. 'Cheddi Jagan’, focusing on the CHS gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technique.
Diversity of Zingiber Mill. (Zingiberaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia Including Short Remarks of an Undescribed Taxon
Full text linkZingiber, a notable genus within the Zingiberaceae family, is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia. It encompasses a total of at least 141 species on a global scale, with 25 native species and 30 known taxa identified specifically in Peninsular Malaysia. Of these known taxa, at least 7 are categorised as threatened, 5 are endemic, and the rest remain unassessed regarding their conservation status. This article provides a comprehensive checklist and taxonomic insights for all native Zingiber in Peninsular Malaysia. Remarkably, from the current fieldwork, the discovery of a peculiar Zingiber plant from the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia holds the potential to contribute additional records within this genus. Initially, this species resembles Z. belumense and Z. purpureum in their inflorescence colouration, displaying shades ranging from brownish maroon to dark purple with green bracts, but this newly proposed taxon stands out due to its combination of distinctive traits. An intriguing observation notes the presence of red sap when the leafy shoots were cut and needs further corroboration. This article establishes a provisional taxonomic designation for the newly discovered species, Zingiber sp. (Bahangense130). A comprehensive description supported by robust molecular phylogenetic evidence is currently underway, while brief notes and illustrative images of the proposed taxon are provided within this paper
Growth and Development of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) Treated with Paclobutrazol
Full text linkWinged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is one of the tropical legumes commonly grown for vegetable in Indonesia. Winged bean is a kind of plants that growth on vine so that for cultivation it requires stakes or awnings. It is known that paclobutrazol is a growth retardant that acts by inhibiting gibberellin biosynthesis and application of paclobutrazol could make plant become semidwarf or even dwarf. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of paclobutrazol on growth, development, some phytochemicals content and yield of winged bean plants. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely paclobutrazol, which was applied at four different concentrations, namely 0 ppm (control), 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm or 100 ppm. Three replicates were made for each treatment. The results showed that paclobutrazol significantly decreased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of pods per plant, pod length, fresh weight of fruit, levels of vitamin C and protein in the pods, but increased the leaf chlorophyll content and stomata density on the abaxial (lower) leaf surfaces. Paclobutrazol showed its effect on accelerating flowering time at a concentration of 50 ppm.
Detection of Entomological Origin of Honey Sold in Indonesia Based on 16S rRNA Gene Analysis
Full text linkHoney is known for its various benefits for health, cosmetic ingredients, and other industrial materials. Especially, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many people consume honey to maintain body endurance. In Indonesia, the honey produced is dominated by Apis mellifera honey. With a cheaper price and a larger quantity, A. mellifera honey is often offered as forest honey or stingless bee honey to get more profit. Therefore, this study aims to determine the entomological origin of honey claimed as forest honey and stingless bee honey sold in the Indonesian market using the detection of 16S rRNA gene amplicon. This study tested 30 samples of forest honey and 30 samples of stingless bee honey. DNA that has been isolated from honey samples was amplified by PCR using 16S rRNA primers. The results from the sequence analysis showed that nine of honey samples were identified as honey fraud. Two samples were confirmed as falsification of the origin of honey-producing bees and four honey samples were confirmed as honey mislabelling. From this study it can be concluded that, it is possible to determine the entomological origin of honey molecularly by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Therefore, this method can be used to identify honey fraud that may occur on the market.
Fantastic Macrofungi in Poncokusumo District, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Area and Their Habitat Characteristics
Full text linkBromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is a conservation area in East Java with an abundance of biodiversity, including macrofungi. This study aims to identify the macrofungal species existing in Poncokusumo district, TNBTS area, and their habitat characteristics for a further sustainable study of fungi. This study used a purposive sampling method by opportunistic exploration. Identification of macrofungi is conducted by morphological analysis and habitat characterization. The study identified 15 macrofungal species categorized as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, that were distinct in their habitat characteristics. The 15 macrofungal species inhabited leaf litter, wood litter, soil, and bamboo.
Evaluation of Temperature Stress Under Different Hydroponic Systems on Growth and Saponin Content of Talinum paniculatum Gaertn. Cuttings
Full text linkIncreases in the temperature of nutrient solutions have restricted the use of hydroponic cultivation in the tropics, predominantly due to plant stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature stress under different hydroponic systems on the growth and saponin content of Talinum paniculatum cuttings. Three hydroponic systems, i.e., deep flow technique (DFT), nutrient film technique (NFT), and aeroponic, were tested. The temperature of the nutrient solution was set for each system, i.e., under ambient temperature (UAT) and with controlled temperature (WCT) at 26° C. The cultivation period was 60 days. The result showed peroxidation activity and proline accumulation for the adventitious roots of T. paniculatum cuttings with UAT and WCT, alongside various levels of plasma membrane damage. Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Membrane damage was analyzed with Evans blue dye. The results indicated that the levels of MDA and proline accumulation under the three hydroponic systems were higher for the WCT than for the UAT treatment. In contrast, vegetative growth was higher in UAT than in WCT. The saponin content of the adventitious root correlated with the MDA level. Saponin production was triggered by oxidative stress during cultivation, while the adventitious roots had a higher saponin content in all three hydroponic systems with the WCT treatment compared to the UAT treatment. Among the systems, aeroponic was superior for biomass and saponin. Root growth was promoted in the nutrient solution under ambient temperature whereas the production of saponins was stimulated under the controlled temperature. In the aeroponic system, root biomass values of 1.17 and 0.478 g dry weight were obtained under ambient and controlled temperatures, respectively. The total saponin contents differed slightly, namely 189.83 and 195.61 mg/g, respectively.