Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in late 2019 and was first detected in Indonesia in March 2020, has significantly reshaped the country’s public health landscape. Aside from the viral outbreak itself, a decline in immunity among the population due to excessive concern about the pandemic has also become a significant issue. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of myricetin, phyllanthin, and luteolin compounds as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) virus by targeting the main protease and spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain proteins through in silico molecular docking. Remdesivir and favipiravir were used as comparison compounds. The molecular docking process involved several stages including structural preparation, protein preparation, method validation, and docking between the compounds with the target protein. The docking results were assessed based on binding energy values, where lower energy indicates a stronger and more stable interaction between the compound and the protein. The binding energies of myricetin, phyllanthin, luteolin, favipiravir and remdesivir compounds with the main protease protein were -6.2, -5.5, -5.3, -4,4, and -5.5 kcal/mol, respectively. The binding energies of those compounds with spike glycoprotein-RBD were -6.0, -4.2, -4.8, -6.0, and -5.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The results showed that myricetin exhibited stronger binding affinity compared to phyllanthin and luteolin and may serve as a promising inhibitor of main protease and spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain proteins.

High-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is an aggressive form of childhood cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than 50%, underscoring the need for more efficacious and less toxic treatments. The glycoprotein vitronectin (VN) has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with HR-NB, thus inhibitors of VN function represent a promising avenue for molecular mechanotherapy. This study investigated the binding affinity between the somatomedin B (SMB) domain of VN and natural compounds from the medicinal plant, Olax subscorpioidea, targeting the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The therapeutic potential of α-amyrin (AMY), lupeol (LUP), and olax chalcone A (olax CHA) was tested in combination with an integrin antagonist of VN, cilengitide (CLG), using the SK-N-BE(2) HR-NB cell line as a model. Molecular docking studies indicated protein-ligand interactions for all compounds, with CLG showing the most favorable binding free energy, followed by LUP, AMY, and olax CHA. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated the SMB domain of VN binding site of PAI-1 initially exhibited flexibility, with alpha-carbon root mean square deviation (RMSD) stabilizing at 1.8-2.1 Å. All compounds reduced SK-N-BE(2) cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. CLG showed the strongest antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀ = 15.25 µM). Olax CHA had higher efficacy than AMY and LUP (IC₅₀ = 74.23 µM vs. 125.45 µM and 103.36 µM). Combining the compounds with CLG further decreased viability and IC₅₀ values. Synergy analysis showed only olax CHA plus CLG had a synergistic effect. This suggests olax CHA plus CLG as a promising therapeutic strategy against neuroblastoma cells.

Influenza A viruses mutate very fast and this leads to the development of resistance to antivirals, hence the need to find new therapeutics. Due to their extensive traditional use, natural products are crucial resources for the discovery of drugs. Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), is a tropical vine known for various health benefits and in this study we evaluated its anti-influenza activity. Pulverized material of the stem bark was extracted using 80% ethanol, hot water, and 1% sodium bicarbonate. The extracts were dried and dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide before testing for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity using crystal violet assay. The extracts exhibited antiviral activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration range of 2.3 - 6.2 µg/mL. The 1% sodium bicarbonate extract had the least 50% cytotoxic concentration of 125 µg/mL and was used for further analyses. It was effective against several human influenza A virus strains including an oseltamivir-resistant clinical isolate of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza. Time-of-addition experiments showed significant suppression of virus replication when the virus was pretreated with the extract before infecting to cells and also when the virus and extract were co-administered to the cells; suggesting that the extract was inactivating the virus. Oseltamivir was used as a positive control and only suppressed late stages of virus replication. These results were consistent with the hemagglutination inhibition assay data which showed direct virucidal activity on influenza virus particles. Our data demonstrates possible future use of Cat’s claw in influenza management. However, more investigation is needed to identify the bioactive components.

Kaffir lime peel waste (Citrus hystrix) has antioxidant effects that have the potential to protect the skin from exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as moisturize the skin. This study aims to determine the effect of increasing the concentration of condensed extract of kaffir lime fruit peel on its effectiveness as an antioxidant, sunscreen activity, and moisturizer. The condensed extract was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. In this study, we tested hydrophilic gels consisting of 4 extract concentrations in their formula: F1 (7.5%), F2 (10%), F3 (15%), and F4 (20%). The research phase begins with the extract standardization process and gel formulation, followed by testing physical quality and efficacy as an antioxidant, sunscreen, and moisturizing activity. Experimental data from different batches and formulas were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA statistical method. The condensed extract (20%) provides an IC50 value of 15.51 mg/mL. The results of the experiment showed that increasing the concentration of kaffir lime fruit peel extract could reduce the pH value, viscosity and increase the spreadability of the gel preparation. The SPF value increased with increasing extract concentration. It is included in the maximum protection category, while based on the % Erythema Transmission Value ≤ 1 and % Transmission Pigmentation of 3-40, it falls under the total block category. Increasing the concentration of a condensed extract of kaffir lime fruit peel in a hydrophilic gel base can increase its effectiveness as a UV protector and a moisturizer, with F3 (15%) as the best formula.

Peptic ulcer disease is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Enhancing the quality of life of patients with peptic ulcers often involves integrating conventional treatments with complementary alternative therapies. One such alternative therapy is herbal remedies, which local communities have long recognized. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) contain various bioactive components, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to assess the gastroprotective properties of sungkai leaf extract (Peronema canescens Jack) by analyzing the average size of gastric lesions in male Wistar rats exposed to absolute ethanol. The research used a true experimental design with a posttest-only control group approach involving six treatment groups, each consisting of four rats. Gastroprotective activity was macroscopically evaluated by measuring the average size of the gastric lesions. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests for post hoc comparisons. Results showed that the normal group had an average lesion size of 0 mm, the negative control group had 115.37±50.53 mm, and the positive control group had 7.40±2.57 mm. For the groups treated with sungkai leaf extract, the 100 mg/kgBW dose resulted in 6.86±3.83 mm lesions, the 200 mg/kgBW dose in 9.65±10.27 mm, and the 400 mg/kgBW dose in 29.50±19.68 mm. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26 revealed a significant difference between the groups,with a Kruskal-Wallis test result of p=0.002. These findings show that sungkai leaf extract exhibits gastroprotective activity compared with omeprazole, as seen by the smaller average size of gastric lesions in male Wistar rats treated with absolute ethanol.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels beyond the normal limits. One therapeutic approach for managing diabetes mellitus involves inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, which plays a role in glucose absorption in the body. However, the use of oral antidiabetic drugs from the α-glucosidase inhibitor class often causes gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, exploring natural materials as alternative treatments is a promising option. In Indonesia, one plant with potential as an alternative treatment is sintok (Cinnamomum sintoc Blume), a member of the Cinnamomum genus, which is widely utilized in traditional medicine for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of a water extract of sintok bark. Preliminary tests were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for measuring α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity in vitro using a UV- vis spectrophotometer. The results showed optimal enzyme activity at a wavelength of 405 nm, an incubation time of 40 minutes, and a substrate concentration of 12.5 mM. The water extract of sintok bark exhibited the highest inhibitory activity at a concentration of 5 ppm, with an inhibition value of 28.66%, while acarbose, used as a positive control, achieved the highest inhibition value of 96.36% at a concentration of 4.5 ppm. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of sintok bark demonstrates inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme, indicating its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent.

Leguminosae, also known as Fabaceae, is the third largest plant family after Orchidaceae and Asteraceae. This review aimed to explore the potential of several legume species indigenous to Indonesia, from the Leguminosae family, as sources of food and medicine. The data used for the analysis were collected from various online databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The results showed that there were 13 species of Leguminosae family plants found easily in Indonesia including Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna pruriens, Arachis hypogaea, Vigna subterranea, Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus lunatus, Vigna radiata, Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, Vigna angularis, Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, and Pisum sativum. Among these species, several plants have been underutilized as food material, including C. cajan, C. ensiformis, M. pruriens, and P. lunatus. These 13 legume plants generally contain carbohydrates, proteins, starch, fats, and minerals, making them valuable as potential food sources. They also predominantly contain secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., genistein, daidzein, cajanin), which have significant potential to be developed into pharmacologically active compounds.

Clay masks are cosmetic formulations designed to adhere closely to the skin, effectively lifting contaminants, cleansing the face, and absorbing impurities. We made a clay mask containing active ingredients such as niacinamide, alpha arbutin, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid. A careful selection of ingredients is essential for ensuring safety and mitigating potential dermatological issues. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, stability, primary irritation potential, and moisturizing efficacy of this clay mask formulation. Kaolin and bentonite are the primary base materials. The research included formulation optimization and physical stability testing using a cycling test, where each cycle was conducted over a 24-hour period for a total of six cycles. Evaluations were performed on organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and drying time. Subsequently, data were analyzed using paired sample T-tests. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the ABTS method to determine IC50 values. Both preclinical and clinical irritation tests were performed, and the clinical efficacy of the moisturizer was evaluated in 30 participants. The optimal formula consisted of 0.8% kaolin and 0.2% bentonite, and all the evaluation parameters met the required standards. Stability testing and percentage inhibition measurements revealed no significant differences during storage (p>0.05). The formulation demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (IC50<50) and showed no irritation in preclinical or clinical irritation tests. The efficacy results indicated that the developed clay mask formulation has significant potential as a safe and effective skin moisturizer.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory disease of the liver, has recently raised concern among healthcare professionals worldwide due to its asymptomatic features, making early diagnosis challenging. If left unnoticed, NASH often progresses to lethal diseases such as liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) might facilitate the early diagnosis of NASH in a more efficient manner, forming a promising strategy to diagnose patients. In simple terms, AI is any machine that is capable of human-level intelligence, including visual perception, speech recognition, or decision making. A subclass of AI, which particularly deals with knowledge-based systems to find a relationship between different datasets, is called machine learning (ML). ML is based on the capability of a system to define or learn a relationship between the input and output data and then apply the learned relationship to any future datasets with a similar structure. The capability to maintain and analyze large datasets and aid in the prediction of outcomes makes ML particularly interesting for the application in NASH by, for instance, analyzing image data from patients, using biomarkers to predict clinical disease progression or by determining the efficacy of applied therapeutics. In this review, we will highlight the recent developments in the AI-based diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. First, we provide a brief introduction to AI and ML before generalizing the use of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of different liver diseases. Then, we will specifically elaborate on the use of AI in the detection of NASH and its precursor, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on the prediction and diagnosis of NASH and NAFLD as well as on the automation of imaging processes. Finally, we will highlight the clinical importance of AI in the detection of NASH before concluding with the future challenges for the application of AI in the field of NASH detection and treatment.

The standardization of raw materials from nature is essential before they are made into products. Until now, there is still limited information regarding the standardization of propolis from stingless bees. This research aims to determine the bioactivity with standardized specific and non-specific parameters of ethanol extracts from Homotrigona apicalis and Homotrigona fimbriata propolis. The methods include organoleptic tests, tests for water-soluble and ethanol-soluble compound content, drying shrinkage tests, specific gravity tests, water content tests, metal contamination tests, phytochemical screening, and determining total phenolic and flavonoid content. The free radical scavenging capacity was measured using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method, and antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Propionibacterium acnes, Streptococcus mutans, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. The results indicated that the standardization parameters tested on H. apicalis and H. fimbriata propolis met the standard criteria. Both species contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins. Generally, the propolis extracts from these two stingless bees exhibit potential antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The total phenolic content for H. apicalis was 0.963 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g, while for H. fimbriata, it was 0.345 ± 0.004 mg GAE/g. The total flavonoid content for H. apicalis was 12.066 ± 0.465 mg QE/g, and for H. fimbriata, it was 9.325 ± 0.031 mg QE/g. All these results can be used as a reference for developing products derived from stingless bees.