Melinjo Seeds Research Articles

Bioinformatic Test and Pharmacokinetic Profile Prediction of Gnetin-C Compound in Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) Seeds Toward Colorectal Cancer

Cancer is one of the unresolved health problems in the world, including Indonesia. One of the most common types of cancer is colorectal cancer. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is one of Indonesian local commodities which has many benefits including its potential to be developed as an anticancer agent. Through bioinformatics and molecular docking technology, the aim of this study was to investigate the functions of gnetin-C from melinjo against colorectal cancer. PkCSM database were used to search the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity) properties and stitch-string database were used to identify common genes related to colon cancer. During identification of colon cancer related genes, STAT3 protein showed the highest degree score. Furthermore, molecular docking was carried out to find out the interaction between the STAT3 protein and gnetin c compound found in melinjo seeds. From the docking stage, the pose with the best affinity energy was obtained with a docking score of 1,966 kcal/mol. this shows that the compound gnetin c has the potential to be used as a new anticancer agent from natural ingredients.Keywords: Melinjo, Gnetum gnemon, colon cancer, bioinformatics, molecular docking.

Particle Size Optimization of Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) Seed Hardshell: A Potential Antioxidant Alternative

Natural ingredients can have extraordinary potential as alternative medicines due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Application of these ingredients should consider solubility and permeability, which determine the success of pharmaceutical characteristics formulation and biological activity indication. In this context, physical manipulation, specifically particle size reduction, is an effective strategy to address these issues. Previous research has explored active compounds in the stilbenoid group, found in the outer skin, hard shell, and endosperm of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seeds, functioning as antioxidant. Based on the potential as antioxidant, stilbenoid compounds, including resveratrol, contained in melinjo seed hardshell have shown significant pharmacological effects. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the potential of melinjo seed hardshell extract as a natural antioxidant alternative by modifying the particle size through a grinding process to obtain nanoparticles. The analysis was carried out using ball milling to enhance the solubility of melinjo seed hardshell extract by increasing the saturated solubility and surface area of the particles. The results showed that the total phenol content and the antioxidant power increased significantly (p < 0.05) after ball milling. Melinjo seed hardshell nanoextract is reported herein as a promising source of natural antioxidant from local Indonesian plants.

Application of Chitosan Solution to Reduce Content Purine Substances (Total Alkaloids) in Melinjo Seeds

Application of Chitosan Solution to Reduce Content Purine Substances (Total Alkaloids) in Melinjo Seeds

Melinjo Seeds (Gnetum gnemon L.) Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: A Study Based on Tracing of Resveratrol Compound.

Breast cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. One of the polyphenols, namely, resveratrol, has been proven to have anticancer activity. Melinjo seeds which contain resveratrol need to be tested for their potential as an anti-breast cancer agent. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect of melinjo seeds based on solvent variations and resveratrol tracing. Extraction of melinjo seeds was performed using the soxhletation method. Antioxidant test was performed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil method. The in vitro cytotoxic test was carried out using the microtetrazolium method. Cytotoxic test was carried out on MCF-7 breast cancer cells using a concentration range of melinjo seeds between 31,25 and 1000 μg/mL. Antioxidant and anticancer potentials are expressed in inhibitory concentration (IC)50 values. Resveratrol was traced using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC). Melinjo seed ethanol extract provided the largest total phenolics (126,154 ± 0,865 mg GAE/g sample) and total flavonoids (44,576 ± 0,611 mg QE/g sample) among all solvent fractions. The antioxidant activity of melinjo seeds from ethanol extract, n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and ethanol fraction was 263,307 ppm, 317,595 ppm, 160,878 ppm, and 181,159 ppm, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction of melinjo seeds showed the strongest cytotoxic effect (94.6 μg/mL) among all extracts and solvent fractions. Prep-HPLC showed that the ethanol extract of melinjo seeds contained resveratrol, while the ethanol and ethyl acetate fractions of melinjo seeds were thought to contain resveratrol derivatives. The antioxidant activity of melinjo seeds showed a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells, which varied based on solvent polarity and total phenolic and total flavonoid. The ethyl acetate fraction which is thought to contain resveratrol derivatives provides the most potent antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect. These results indicate that melinjo seeds containing resveratrol and its derivatives have the potential for anticancer of the breast. Further studies are still needed in determining the structure of resveratrol compounds and their derivatives to ensure their biological activity and mechanism of action.

Melinjo fruit outer skin peeler prototype design using grate roller based-on auto reverse movement control

Cracker snacks made from melinjo fruit are often found in the Pidie Regency area, Aceh. However, processing melinjo seeds into crackers is still manual and takes a long time. In this research, a melinjo peeling machine will be designed to speed up the production process of melinjo crackers. This peeler uses two different electricity sources so it can work in two conditions, namely the PLN electricity supply is on or off. The research method was carried out by collecting data from device testing results and field observations as well as comparing test results with previous research. The movement of the motor is controlled using Time Delay which gives a command to activate the relay and then turns on the 12 V DC motor. The motor rotates clockwise and anti-clockwise continuously (auto reverse) according to the direction of positive and negative potential which is controlled by the relay and Time Delay. The success rate of peeling the outer skin of melinjo seeds using the proposed tool is divided into three types based on differences in seed skin color. The percentage of success for red, orange, and yellowish green melinjo was 68.67%, 51.52% and 25.61% respectively. Thus, in this study, it can be concluded that the most efficient success rate is for red melinjo

Hedonic test and chemical organoleptic and chemical characteristics of cork and toman fish emping

Local fish species from the waters of South Kalimantan that are a source of protein and high in albumin are cork fish and toman fish. In an effort to increase the value added and consumption of both fish, it is necessary to diversify the product, for example by processing them into fish emping. Emping is a type of round and thin snack generally made from melinjo seeds, which are flaked, dried and then fried. The aim of this study was to determine the organoleptic and chemical characteristics of cork and toman fish emping. This study consisted of 2 treatments, namely the cork fish puff and the toman fish puff. To determine the difference between the two treatments, data analysis was carried out using independent t-test with test parameters including yield calculation, hedonic test (taste, colour, aroma and texture) and chemical test (water, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, energy, TKE and TKP). Based on the results of the t-test, it is known that the organoleptic characteristics of the two empings show a significant difference, with the cork emping being more favourable than the toman emping. The chemical characteristics did not show any significant difference. In conclusion, the yield characteristics, moisture content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, energy, energy sufficiency level (TKE) and protein sufficiency level (TKP) of cork fish cake were 4.07%, 66.66%, 2.67%, 7.22%, 0.95%, 319.52 kcal, 20.97% and 202.00% respectively with a yield of 10.10%. For toman, the values were 19.29%, 4.31%, 66.89%, 2.55%, 6.96%, 1.02%, 318.37 kcal, 20.54% and 202.69% with a yield of 10.83%. Thus, both cork and toman fish cake are high protein products.

Protective Effects of Gnetin C from Melinjo Seed Extract against High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD Mice Model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease, can progress to hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and advanced fibrosis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial in treating multiple metabolic diseases. Gnetin C, a resveratrol derivative obtained from Melinjo seed extract (MSE), shares similar health-promoting properties. We investigated the role of gnetin C in preventing NAFLD in a mouse model and compared it with resveratrol. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (10% calories from fat), a high-fat choline-deficient (HFCD) diet (46% calories from fat) and HFCD diet supplemented with gnetin C (150 mg/kg BW·day-1) or resveratrol (150 mg/kg BW·day-1) for 12 weeks. Gnetin C supplementation reduced body and liver weight, and improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Both gnetin C- and resveratrol reduced hepatic steatosis, with gnetin C also decreasing liver lipid content. Gnetin C and resveratrol ameliorated HFCD diet-induced hepatic fibrosis. The mRNA expression results, and western blot analyses showed that gnetin C and, to some extent, resveratrol downregulated fibrosis markers in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, indicating a possible safeguarding mechanism against NAFLD. These results suggest that gnetin C supplementation may protect against lipid deposition and hepatic fibrosis.

Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activity and Protein Target Inhibition of Ethyl Acetate Fraction Melinjo Seed (Gnetum gnemon L.) by In Vitro and In Silico Studies on HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancer suffered in women. Chemotherapy usage often causes physical and psychological side effects in patients. This study aims to determine the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of melinjo seeds (Gnetum gnemon L.) on HeLa cervical cancer cells through in vitro and in silico assays. Melinjo seed was extracted by maceration using ethanol 70% and fractionated with ethyl acetate to obtain the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Melinjo Seed (EAFMS). The identification of the active compounds group was done using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) method. In vitro studies were conducted on antioxidant tests using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and cytotoxic activity test using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay. In silico test for molecular docking analyzed by Autodock Vina method. The TLC analysis of EAFMS showed the presence of the stilbenoid compounds group. The antioxidant activity of EAFMS is weak, with an IC50 value of 175.8 g/ml. Cytotoxic activity of EAFMS is categorized as toxic to HeLa cancer cells with an IC50 value of 21.69 g/ml, while EAFMS has a synergistic effect combined with doxorubicin as a standard drug with a combination index (CI) value of 0.24-0.80. A molecular docking test of gnetin C with VHR receptor found a strong and stable bond with a docking score of -8.3 kcal/mol. Thus, EAFMS has the potential to be used as a chemopreventive agent for cervical cancer and can be combined with doxorubicin.

Screening Nos-bar gene of Transgenic Rice Callus (Oryza Sativa L.) Containing Antihypertensive Gene Encoding Gg-7pAH

Peptides derived from food protein have the potential to become antihypertensive agents with relatively few adverse side effects. The Gg-7pAH gene encoding antihypertensive is a gene containing the Cys-Met-Try-Leu-Ala-Ser-Gly (CMYLASG) heptapeptide, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor peptide from Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L) seeds. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the tandem repeat heptapeptide (10x peptides, Gg7-pAH) and Nos-bar genes through callus resistance to phosphinothricin (PPT) in 4 different phases of callus: co-cultivation, elimination, screening, and regeneration. The Gg7-pAH gene was constructed in the pGreen II 0229 vector containing the Nos-bar gene and  Gg7-pAH gene under the control of the Glu4 promoter and transformed into rice callus using an Agrobacterium tumefacient vector. PPT was used in the screening at precise concentrations of 0, 20, 50, and 100 ppm. The screening efficiency was then evaluated by calculating the putative callus. As a result, 37 putative callus were developed with a concentration of 0 ppm PPT, 36 putative callus with a concentration of 20 ppm PPT, and none at 50 and 100 ppm PPT. The Gg-7pAH gene was identified by PCR analysis in putatively transgenic rice callus. According to PCR data, a positive callus with an antihypertensive gene insertion was detected at four phases: media, co-cultivation, elimination, screening, and regeneration. These findings suggest that the recombinant Gg-7pAH gene, which is transformed into rice plants to produce rice plants that can treat hypertension, has some potential.

Effect of Melinjo Seed Extract on GSH Levels of Hyperuricemic Wistar Rats

Background: Hyperuricemia is a condition where uric acid levels are above normal. The biosynthesis of uric acid by the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) produces free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress lowers cellular GSH levels. Gnetum gnemon L. or melinjo seeds contain stilbenoids and flavonoids that can act as natural XO inhibitors. Objective: To study the effect of melinjo seed extract on GSH levels.Methods: This research was a true experimental with pre and post-test controlled group design. Thirty six male wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups consisting of a healthy control (KS), negative control (K1), positive control (K2), treatment 1 (P1) extract 250 mg/kgBW, treatment 2 (P2) extract 500 mg/kgBW, treatment 3 (P3) extract 2000 mg/kgBW. Hyperuricemia was induced by the administration of Maggie® block broth and potassium oxonate. Measurement was carried out on the 21st and 35th day of treatment, then analyzed using Paired-Sample T Test, continued with One-Way Anova test and Post Hoc LSD test. Results: Administration of melinjo seed extract at P1, P2, and P3 significantly increased GSH levels (P<0.05) from 1.23±0.10 to 1.55±0.16; 1.22±0.06 to 1.73±0.16; and 1.21±0.08 to 1.88±0.08. There was significant difference between the three doses with a dose of 250 mg/kgBW melinjo seed extract being more effective than allopurinol 90 mg/kgBW. Conclusion: Melinjo seed extract could increase GSH levels with the most effective dose of 250 mg/kgBB.

Comparison of Antioxidant Power Extract of Ethanol Extract, Hard Shell and Seeds on Melinjo ( Gnetum gnemon L.) with DPPH Method (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)

The human body cannot be avoided from exposure to free radicals in everyday life. Free radicals are very dangerous for the body, one of which causes degenerative diseases. One of the plants that is thought to be able to inhibit free radicals is the melinjo plant. The processing of melinjo plants in the community is only used as a vegetable, so there is a need for research on the benefits of antioxidants in melinjo plants. The purpose of this study was to explore the parts of melinjo which had the best antioxidant activity found in the soft shell, hard shell and seeds of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) with different solvent concentrations. The research method used was to prepare test samples by maceration process using 50% and 70% ethanol, then the extracts were tested for antioxidants using the DPPH method. Data analysis was performed using the ANOVA statistical test with a 98% confidence level. The results showed that the optimal percentage of free radical inhibition was obtained in 50% ethanol solvent, the outer shell of melinjo was 53.29%, and the IC50 was 318.18 ppm. Based on the One way Anova test (p>0.02) there was no difference between the use of 50% and 70% ethanol solvent on the antioxidant activity of the outer shell, hard skin and melinjo seed samples.

Penerapan Teknologi Tepat Guna Mesin Pemipih Emping Untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Perajin Emping Di Sumberadi, Mlati, Sleman

Emping melinjo is a processed product from melinjo whose manufacturing process is by flattening old melinjo fruit which was previously roasted. In the process of making melinjo chips, which is quite time consuming and tiring, is the flattening process. The purpose of this activity is to make a chipping flattening machine to increase the productivity of cracker craftsmen. The chip flattening machine uses a pressing system to optimize the productivity of the melinjo chips home industry in Sumberadi, Sleman..The chip flattening machine uses a driving motor in the form of an electric motor with specifications of HP and an angled iron as the frame.Before being handed over to partners, the machine has been tested for several times at the Materials Testing Laboratory of the AKPRIND Institute of Science & Technology, Yogyakarta.In this test, it was found that the process of flattening melinjo seeds for making chips only takes 10 seconds.It is much more effective than manual creation which takes 3 minutes.In addition, the number of chips produced in the same period of time using the machine will be more than the manual process.

Peningkatan Efektivitas dan Tingkat Produksi terhadap Penggunaan Alat Pres serta Pengembangan Produk Inovatif dari Emping Melinjo

Melinjo tree is a tree that is commonly found in Cilayang Village, Cikeusal District. Melinjo has many benefits, the wood can be used as a simple board and household appliance, the young leaves are referred to as so in Javanese used as vegetable ingredients, for example in the vegetable asem flowers and seeds that are still small or that have been cooked are also used as vegetables, melinjo seeds are also used as raw materials for emping, and the skin can be used as a vegetable. To improve the economy of the people of Cilayang Village, especially for housewives, it is necessary to have innovation from this melinjo. The implementation of this community service activity is in the form of assistance for EMPING MSMEs in Cilayang Village. The innovation carried out from emping is by creating a press machine to facilitate the production process, variations in emping flavors with four flavors, namely original, salty, pedaas, and original. As well as the packaging of empings that are packaged to be more modern. As a result of this activity, the people of Cilayang Village are able to produce light food from melinjo fruit

Melinjo (Gnetum Gnemon) Seed Protein Activity Against pBSKS DNA Cleavage and Its Cytotoxicity in T47D and 4T1 Cells

The plant protein of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) in seeds is known to have antioxidant properties. Apart from being an antioxidant, melinjo seed protein also has the potential to be developed as an anticancer compound. One of the potential anticancer compounds has been screened based on supercoiled DNA cleavage activity (pBSKS). The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of the protein fraction isolated with DEAE and BUTYL matrices against supercoiled DNA cleavage of pBSKS. Supercoiled DNA cleavage test activity of pBSKS was determined using the electrophoresis method and visualized with a UV transilluminator at a wavelength of 312 nm. The cytotoxic activity of melinjo seeds was tested through the MTT assay method and was read on an ELISA reader with a wavelength of 550 and 595 nm seen from the IC50 value. The protein fraction of melinjo seeds isolated with DEAE and BUTYL matrices had concentrations of 470.1 and 81.02 g/mL, respectively. The visualization results showed that the DEAE and BUTYL protein fractions resulted in depletion of supercoiled DNA bands of pBSKS. The concentration of active protein in the melinjo seeds fractionated using the DEAE-650M matrix was higher than that of the BUTYL-650M matrix. In this study, after several cytotoxic tests were carried out, various results were obtained. The activity of protein isolates from melinjo seeds fractionated using DEAE-650M and BUTYL-650M against 4T1 and T47D cells could be categorized as non-toxic because the IC50 value was > 1000 g/mL and the average percentage of viable cells was more than 50%, except for the seed protein fraction. Melinjo fractionated using DEAE-650M against T47D cells which had an IC50 value of 127.62 g/mL could be categorized as quite active and cytotoxic.
 Keywords: Gnetum gnemon L., protein isolation, ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), DNA cleavage, cytotoxic, T47D, 4T1

Modifications and Pharmaceutical Applications of Glucomannan as Novel Pharmaceutical Excipient in Indonesia: Review Article

<p>Currently, Indonesia is excessively dependent on imported raw materials, such as pharmaceutical excipients. In this regard, the current pandemic should remind the critical nature of independence in purchasing raw resources to cope with future dynamics. One of the causes of dependence is the lack of raw materials management, specifically from biological sources abundantly available. A significant advantage is directed towards natural excipients because large quantities of more affordable plants ensure sustained availability in nature. Therefore, this study highlighted the possibility of using excipients derived from natural resources that are commonly used yet underutilized in Indonesia, such as glucomannan (GM). Indonesia has the potential to produce GM, considering the high natural resources as its source. However, it has not been applied extensively in pharmaceutical preparations due to diverse uses in several countries' drug, food, and cosmetic industries. This study aimed to discuss the modifications of GM and their use as pharmaceutical excipients with better physical properties. Additionally, the potential of melinjo seeds that have not been widely used was also analyzed. Melinjo seeds can be used as a source of GM due to their fairly large polysaccharide of about 64.11%. This issue will promote national autonomy in developing novel pharmaceutical excipients derived from natural resources that are highly economical and innovative.</p>

EFEKTIVITAS KOMBINASI JUS HATI AYAM DAN SERBUK BIJI MELINJO SEBAGAI BAHAN PENGINDUKSI HIPERURISEMIA PADA TIKUS

An in vivo test study to prove its effectiveness as an antihyperuricemia requires an animal model with a hyperuricemic condition. Foods that contain high purine bases have the potential to increase uric acid levels in the blood, including chicken liver and melinjo seeds. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the combination of chicken liver juice and melinjo seed powder in producing hyperuricemia conditions with the most optimal onset and duration in rats in vivo. Six groups of white Sprague Dawley rats (n=5) consisted of a normal group, a positive control group, a chicken liver juice group, a melinjo seed powder group and two groups that were given a combination of chicken liver juice and melinjo seed powder with different compositions. The treatment was given every day for 15 days orally. The parameters observed were uric acid levels which were measured every 3 days and, body weight. The results showed that the combination of chicken liver juice and melinjo powder with a half dose of a single dose each had a better onset and duration. The conclusion of this study is that the combination of chicken liver juice and melinjo seed powder is potent as an inducer of hyperuricemia in rats.

Distribusi Anatomis Metabolit Sekunder dan Aktivitas Antioksidan Biji Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) pada Tiga Fase Kematangan

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is a tropical plant that has an abundant distribution and it widely used in Indonesia. Study on the utilization of melinjo is began to developed in the realm of utilization as a source of medicinal compounds, especially the seeds of melinjo which so far have only been used as food. The seeds of melinjo contain secondary metabolites that are active including phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. These compounds are anatomically produced by the secretory tissue of melinjo seeds. The distribution of the secretory tissue and the compounds produced is thought to be influenced by the maturity phase of the melinjo seeds. The maturity phase of melinjo seeds is marked by the color of the seed coat starting from the most mature, namely red, yellow, and green. In this study, histochemical tests were carried out to determine the distribution of secretory tissue in melinjo seeds and the compounds produced. In addition, antioxidant activity tests were also carried out using the DPPH method. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins are scattered in each layer of melinjo seeds, namely sarcotesta, sclerotesta, endotesta and endosperm at different levels in each stage of maturity. The highest antioxidant activity was in the extract of yellow melinjo seeds with an IC50 value of 24.37 g/mL. Antioxidant activity melinjo seeds are related to the composition of compounds contained in melinjo seeds.

The Development of automatic melinjo puncher machine using pneumatics pressure

Melinjo chip is one of Indonesia’s facourite food. Melinjo chip is not only marketed in Indonesia, but they have been exported to various countries including Netherlands, United State of America, and Middle East. Mostly melinjo chips are produced in the traditional way by home industry and MSMEs. The existing machines to produce melinjo chips are not operated fully automatically; hence they still require significant operator involvement. The machine developed in this study uses a pneumatics pressure as power driver. Pneumatics cylinders are used to push the melinjo seeds onto the flattening base, and to move the puncher rod during flattening process. The developed automatic melinjo punching machine has been tested. The tests were carried out to determine the parameters used for programming the machine, sucah as punching time and pneumatic presure, and for checking the capacity of the machine. The test results show that the most effective punching time is 5 seconds at pressure between 5-7 bar. In 5 seconds, the machine can change melinjo seed into chips shape with thickness in between 1,20-1,45 mm. The capacity of the machine in processing melinjo has also been tested. The results showed that this machine can process 528 melinjo into chips shape melinjo per hour.

AMINO ACID PROFILE ANALYSIS OF RED AND GREEN MELINJO PEELS TEA

The study aims to analyze the profile of non-essential and essential amino acids in the peels and herbal tea products made from red and green melinjo peels. The processing of melinjo seeds into chips in Pandeglang Regency in Banten Provence, produces large amounts of melinjo peels waste. The processed tea from red and green melinjo peels contains polyphenol compounds, antioxidants, protein and amino acids that are good for health. The processing stages of the melinjo peel tea by sorting the peels for red and green melinjo peels, then washed, made them into thin slices, and dried using an oven blower at 65oC of temperature for 4 hours. Both green and red melinjo peels tea were analyzed for the amino acid profile using the UPLC method. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the amino acid content of melinjo peels and melinjo peels tea, both green and red, consisted of 7 non-essential amino acids and 8 essential amino acids. L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid are the highest amino acid components which can give melinjo peels tea a characteristic aroma and taste.

KARAKTER MORFOLOGIS DAN PERKEMBANGAN ANATOMIS BIJI MELINJO (Gnetum gnemon L.)

Melinjo seeds (Gnetum gnemon L.) have many benefits, that it is necessary to know its morphological and anatomical characters. This study aimed to determine differences in morphological characters and anatomical development of melinjo seeds at four seed maturity stages. The morphological observation was carried out based on the quantitative and organoleptic characteristics of the melinjo seeds: outer envelope, size, and the color of the middle envelope. Seed development was anatomically observed in slides prepared with a non-embedding method using a sliding microtome then observed through a microscope. The outer seed envelope has a green to blackish-red color in the final stage, while the seed middle envelope has a light-brown to dark-brown in the final stage. The inner seed envelope is thin, non-rigid, and attached on the outside of the endosperm. The seeds' length ranges from ±1,5 cm until ±2,25 cm at the end-stage; seeds width are 1 cm – 1,18 cm; seeds diameter are 1 cm – 1,16 cm. The anatomical development showed tissue thickening and differentiation. The middle envelope is getting thicker: 318,84 μm to 397,29 μm. Endosperm tissue cells undergo cell compaction as the seeds ripen. At the same time, embryonic tissue differentiation forms hypocotyl, epicotyl, and cotyledon.