Morinda Citrifolia Research Articles

An evidence-based review of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) fruits on animal models, human studies, and case reports

Context: Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), commonly known as noni, is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy in many countries due to its numerous beneficial effects on health. Aims: To thoroughly analyze the efficacy and safety of M. citrifolia fruit across all reported areas. Methods: The articles were explored on the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using a combination of keywords: Morinda citrifolia AND human studies; Morinda citrifolia AND pharmacological activities using PRISMA guidelines. Results: Studies in animal models revealed its activity as anti-dyslipidemia, anti-lipogenesis, anti‑fungal, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immunostimulatory, anti-alopecia, photoprotective, antitumor, antiviral, anticancer, antidopaminergic, and antimicrobial. Based on the clinical and efficacy evidence, it is apparent that M. citrifolia is a potentially valuable medicinal plant whose status should be upgraded from laboratory bench to bedside. The safety of M. citrifolia has been confirmed and proven by no occurrence of AEs or only mild gastrointestinal discomforts. However, five cases of male and female patients aged from 14 to 63 years old reported different symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, vomiting, pigmentation, or acute hepatitis, after a high-dose daily use of this supplement. Conclusions: Taking everything into consideration, M. citrifolia, despite its mild adverse events, has a beneficial efficacy and safety as an antioxidant; nevertheless, caution and therapy drug monitoring is required if this plant is to be taken in a long-term period.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat gluten employing cysteine proteases from noni fruits (Morinda citrifolia L.)

Previous reports have shown that noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) puree extract (NPE) is a promising source of cysteine peptidases with potential applications in the food industry. This study expanded the applications of cysteine peptidases from noni fruit by analyzing their potential for wheat gluten hydrolysis and assessing their in vitro toxicity as a new food ingredient. NPE cysteine proteases hydrolyze both gliadins and glutenins, reaching a degree of hydrolysis of 24.40% and 31.78%, respectively. In addition, they reduced gliadin content by 96.80% after 4 h of incubation, as displayed by the R5 ELISA test kit for detecting gliadin based on the monoclonal antibody R5. The chromatographic fractionation of NPE cysteine proteases on a cation exchange column (Source 30S) resulted in an unretained peak (P1) and a retained peak (P2), which showed proteolytic activity with different electrophoretic and zymographic profiles. P1 and P2 had similar (p < 0.05) degrees of hydrolysis for gliadins (approximately 9%). P1 performed better (10.68%) than P2 (8.55%) for glutenins. NPE cysteine proteases did not exhibit genotoxicity or cytotoxicity against mouse fibroblasts (L929 cell line). These findings suggest that NPE cysteine proteases have potential for use as novel ingredients to produce gluten-free foods.

Morinda citrifolia protective effects on paclitaxel-induced testis parenchyma toxicity: An experimental study

The current study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of male testis parenchyma cells to chemotherapy agents and the protective effects and mechanisms of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) administration against structural and functional changes before and after chemotherapy (Paclitaxel (PTX)). For this purpose, rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control = G1, PTX 5 mg/kg = G2; PTX + Noni 10 mg/kg = G3, PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg = G4). PTX was injected intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive weeks, at a dose of 5 mg/kg to all groups except the control group. Then noni was administrated in 10 (G3) and 20 (G4) mg/kg groups orally (gavage) for 14 days. Biochemical analyses, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. According to our results, Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in the PTX group (P < 0.01). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were decreased (P < 0.01). The changes in the rats treated with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg were noteworthy. The increased levels of IL1-β (Interleukin 1 beta) and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) with PTX were down-regulated after treatment with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) (9 % and 5 % respectively). In addition, Noni restored the testicular histopathological structure by reducing caspase-3 expression and significantly (61 %) suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (by regulating the Bax (bcl-2-like protein 4)/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma gene-2) ratio). In conclusion, Noni reduced cellular apoptosis and drastically changed Caspase 8 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, it considerably decreases oxidative damage and can be used in testicular degeneration.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia, Triphala, and Camellia sinensis Extracts as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the reduction of microbial loading using Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia), Triphala, and Camellia sinensis (C. sinensis) as irrigating agents in deciduous molars after pulpectomy. A controlled, randomized clinical trial involving 150 multirooted deciduous molars from both genders between 6 and 9 years old children were included, 30 molars irrigated with M. citrifolia (group I), Triphala (group II), C. sinensis (group III), chlorhexidine (CHX) (group IV), and saline (group V) each. In all cases, two microbiological samples from within the canal were taken with sterile paper points, one before the first irrigation and the other immediately after pulp extirpation. Cleaning and shaping were completed with intermittent irrigation with 10 mL of experimental irrigants in the initial visit. After 3 days, reentry to the root canal was obtained, rinsed with 5 mL of the test irrigants, and the second microbial sample was collected. All the microbial samples obtained were cultured under anaerobic conditions on blood agar. The colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted using a colony counter. Data was analyzed using paired student t-test and Tukey's post hoc test. After analysis of the pre- and postsamples in all groups, a strong significant decrease in bacterial load (p ≤ 0.001) was found with CHX, M. citrifolia, and Triphala. Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) and Triphala, with effective antimicrobial efficacy, can be suggested as an alternative root canal irrigant as CHX, while C. sinensis was found ineffective in reducing microbial count as normal saline. Pathivada L, Kapur D, Pandranki J, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia, Triphala, and Camellia sinensis Extracts as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):511-517.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Morinda citrifolia Irrigation Solution Activated by Laser on Root Canal

An In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Morinda citrifolia Irrigation Solution Activated by Laser on Root Canal

Characteristics of Eco-Friendly Marker Ink by Utilizing Natural Dyes From Noni Leaf Extract (Morinda Citrifolia L.)

Marker ink created from natural ingredients can be used as an alternative to ink with high VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels, which can be harmful to one's health. Noni leaf extract includes tannins, which can be utilized as a basic dye/pigment in marker ink. The goal of this study is to use natural dyes derived from noni leaf extract as a replacement for synthetic ink VOC and as an innovation in green marker ink. The study was undertaken with various adjustments, including the inclusion of noni leaf tannins (0.6 gr, 0.8 gr, 1.0 gr, 1.2 gr, 1.4 gr) and gum arabic (4 gr, 5 gr). The analytical findings of the best arker ink products are presented in formula 5, which includes tannins mass 1.4 gr and gum arabic mass 4 gr, with a viscosity of 3.1 cp, density of 1.14 g/ml, pH 6, and concentrated pigment production. Based on these findings, marker ink products fulfill the quality standards of the SNI 06-1567-1999 test.

Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Isolates from Locally and Industrially Processed Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Drinks Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Public health is seriously threatened by the emergence of antibiotic resistance, especially in food products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Isolates from locally and Industrially Processed NONI (Morinda citrifolia) Drinks Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Noni beverages (samples) were bought from three distinct locations in Rivers State while the fruits were locally fermented into noni beverages. Conventional microbiological methods were employed to identify the bacterial isolates, and the disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antibiotics susceptibility. Characterization of the bacterial isolates was further done using molecular techniques. The total heterotrophic bacteria in the beverages ranged from 3.5±0.7 to 5.9±0.3×104 cfu/ml. The total coliform counts ranged from 1.7±1.9 to 3.8±1.2×104 CFU/ml and faecal coliform count in all the samples was zero (0). Data showed that the locally produced noni sample had the highest bacterial counts (1.6×103 cfu/ml) while the lowest count was observed in samples from location B (1.50×102 cfu/ml). The presence of multiple bacterial species, including Flavobacterium spp. (16.7%), Enterobacter spp. (25%), Serratia spp. (25%), Micrococcus spp. (8.3%) and Bacillus spp. (25%) was indicated by the results. All the isolates (100%) were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefixime and meropenem, gentamycin, vancomycin, with 66.7% being resistant to ampiclox. Ampicillin resistance gene (Amp C gene) was detected in Serratia marcescens AB061685.1 and Bacillus subtilis AB192294.2. These findings have shown that Noni beverages are prone to bacterial contamination with serious public health concerns and thus highlighted the significance of strict quality control measures in the production and sale of Noni drinks, to check the risk of antimicrobial resistance transmission through food consumption.

Assessment of de-toxicity of treated dye solution via seed germination test: Photocatalytic treatment by Morinda citrifolia leaf extract mediated ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite

Molybdenum doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Mo) nanoparticles and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4nanocomposites were prepared via green synthesis by using Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) extract as the reducing agent. Another set of ZnO:Mo and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanomaterials were prepared using NaOH as the reducing agent and their photocatalytic efficiencies against methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) were evaluated and compared with those of their green synthesized counterparts. The degrading efficiency of green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 was 99 and 96 % against MB and MO of dyes, respectively, whereas the respective values in the case of chemical synthesis are only 95 and 90 %. The mechanism lies behind the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was elaborated. The enhanced charge carrier concentration caused by Mo doping and the synergistic advantages of the composite partners, like band gap reduction and reduced recombination rate are discussed with relevant references. The water samples photocatalytically treated by the nanomaterials were applied to green gram seeds and the growth process is evaluated and compared. The powder XRD, field emission SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDAX results and the related analyses are presented as corroborative evidences for the composite formation and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The prepared green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite will be a promising material for de-toxification of dye effluents to make it conducive for seed germination and plant growth.

Multiple metabolite profiles uncover remarkable bioactive compounds and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) at various stages of ripeness

This study aimed to investigate the changes in physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit at different ripeness levels. The results showed that there were significant differences in physicochemical properties. HPLC analysis was conducted, revealing succinic acid, scopoletin, deacetylasperulosidic acid, and asperulosidic acid were key bioactive compounds as the fruit ripened. Additionally, 4 differentbiomarkers (isocitric acid, 4,4-thiodiphenol, lobaric acid, and octocrylene), identified using 1HNMR and LC-IT-TOF-MS, were found to have a VIP value over 1. The results from HS-GC-IMS demonstrated noteworthy that 14 volatile compounds were identified as highly discriminative features during fruit ripening. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that different ripeness had significant effects on bioactive components and functional activities, e.g., the inhibition rate of enzyme and E. coli of noni fruit with different ripeness exceeded 90% at the last stage. This study contributes new insights into the effective utilization of bioactive ingredients in noni fruit.

Potential of Noni Leaf Extract (Morinda citrifolia L.) As Aedes aegypti Mosquito Repellent

Dengue fever is transmitted every year by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Indonesia. One way to prevent this is by using repellents, such as the noni leaf extract (Morinda citrifolia L.). The objective of this study was to analyze the potential of the noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf extract as a repellent against Aedes aegypti. The study employed a post-test research design with only a control group, using concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, and 37.5%, and 25 mosquitoes with 6 repetitions. The technique for data collection involved counting mosquitoes that perched on hands. The study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Anova One Away Post Hoc and the power protection formula. The research on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that perched for 6 hours showed that the noni leaf extract concentration of 37.5% had an average of 2.5 tails perched. The concentration of the noni leaf extract is 37.5%, according to the Pesticide Committee standard (1995). The average protection power for 6 hours is 90.86%. The study also suggests investigating the side effects of use and the addition of an HPMC gelling agent. However, for concentrations of 12.5% and 25%, the protective power is less than 90%. This study shows that concentrations of 37.5% are effective for repelling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Further research can be conducted using old or yellowed leaves, as well as for repelling culex and Anopheles mosquitoes.

Physical and Chemical Quality of Rice Bran with the use of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract as a Vegetable Preservative Ingredient

The results showed that the interaction between the level of use of noni leaf extract and the treatment time was not significant (p&gt;0.05) on the specific gravity and water content variables, but had a very large influence. significant effect (p&lt;0.01) on the variables fat content, amount of feroxide and antioxidants). The specific gravity of the use of BHT preservative gives a value that is no different from the use of noni leaf extract vegetable preservative, the same thing also happens with the long storage treatment. The higher use of noni leaf extract in rice bran can significantly reduce the water content, crude fat and ferroxide levels, but can increase the antioxidant content. The conclusion from the results of this research is that the physical and chemical quality of rice bran can be maintained by using 0.03% noni leaf extract with a storage time of up to 42 days.

Phytochemical screening and investigation on the antibacterial activity of fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit juice extracts on selected microorganisms in Makurdi Metropolis

Plant products are generally useful for medicinal purposes, one of which is the noni plant. Noni or pace (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice was extracted using aqueous and methanol solvents, then fermented and screened for the presence or absence of bioactive constituents (phytochemicals) using the modified standard procedures. The major phytochemical constituents revealed were alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar, saponnins, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Bacterial cell viability and MIC values were also determined by turbidity test. The lowest concentration of the extract with clear suspension was considered the MIC values. The lowest concentration of the extract in the post-incubation suspensions which did not harbour any bacterial growth upon spotting on MHA after overnight incubation at 37° C was considered the MBC values. The test was performed in triplicates alongside antibiotics ciprofloxacin (5μg) as a positive control at a concentration of 0.1mg/ml. Antibacterial activity was perfumed against three bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) by agar-well diffusion method. Activity was observed for both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit juice against the organisms tested. The extracts had both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against the test microorganisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test revealed that the bacterial isolates were inhibited between concentrations of 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml for the methanolic extract, and between 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml for the aqueous extract of the fermented fruit juice. The extract was bactericidal from the range of 100mg/ml to 200mg/ml for both extracts, though with the exception of S. aureus which was bactericidal at 50mg/ml for methanolic extract.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract on the Teratogenecity in Female Wistar Rats

The raw fruit extract of Morinda citrifolia plant and its commercially available formulation in the market as Noni max (Best-selling brand of Brihans pharmaceutical in India and abroad) were obtained from Brihans Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Mulund, Mumbai, India. 80 Wistar rats of either sex weighing between 200 to 250 gms were used for experimentation. In the present study, it was found that the Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and its formulation found safe for the developmental stages of foetus. It was also found that there was no significant difference was noted in body weight and the relative weight of the ovary, uterus and placenta of female rat. There was no structural and functional manifestation was noted in the developing foetusin the pregnant female rats. From the present study it is confirm that, both Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and its formulation (Noni max) did not produce any teratogenic effect in rats up to 1000 mg/kg and 40 ml/kg respectively.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicological Study of the Cocktail Extract from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, Phyllanthus niruri L. and Morinda citrifolia L.

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, Phyllanthus niruri L., and Morinda citrifolia L. are Indonesian medicinal herbs used empirically as traditional therapeutics for maintaining health. The cocktail extract of these three plants (CECPM) had been developed and demonstrated immunostimulant activity in rats. This study aimed to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of CECPM in vivo. The acute toxicity assay was conducted by orally administering a range dose of CECPM (313, 625, 1250, 2500, or 5000 mg/kg body weight (bw) on female mice once and then evaluating the toxic symptom every day for 14 days later. The chronic toxicity test was carried out by giving various doses of CECPM (600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg·bw) to female and male rats orally continuously for 90 consecutive days. The signs of toxicities were evaluated at the 90- and 28 days postadministration. The acute oral toxicity assays showed that there was no toxic syndrome and mortality found during the period of the experiment. The lethal dose level (LD50) of CECPM was more than 5000 g/kg, which was categorized as practically non-toxic. Meanwhile, in the sub-chronic toxicity study, some parameters tested at 90 days postadministration and after 28 days of withdrawal, such as the body weight, relative organ weight, food intake, hematological and biochemical blood parameters, and also histopathological examination of five primary tissues (heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung) revealed no abnormalities. There was no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the present study of CECPM 1000 mg/kg·bw of the rat. Therefore, it is concluded that the orally administered CECPM was relatively nontoxic during acute and subchronic toxicology studies.

Morinda citrifolia leaf assisted synthesis of ZnO decorated Ag bio-nanocomposites for in-vitro cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anticancer applications.

This study used Morinda citrifolia leaf (MCL) extract to synthesise Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO decorated silver nanocomposites (ZnO/Ag NCs). The synthesized nanomaterials structural morphology and crystallinity were characterized using a Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs and ZnO/Ag NCs was evaluated using human nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded for ZnO/Ag NCs at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 80 and 100μg/mL for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus than ZnO NPs at the MIC of 120 and 140μg/mL for Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, ROS detection, viability assay and bacterial membrane integrity analysis of ZnO/Ag NCs treated P. aeruginosa and S. aureus revealed the fundamental bactericidal mechanism involving cell wall, cell membrane interaction and release of cytoplasmic contents. In addition, ZnO/Ag NCs and ZnO NPs showed higher toxicity towards A549 lung cancer cells than the non-cancerous RAW264 macrophage cells, with IC50 of 242 and 398µg/mL respectively, compared to IC50 of 402 and 494µg/mL for the macrophage cells. These results suggest that the ZnO/Ag NCs can be effectively used to develop antimicrobial and anticancer materials.

Ethnobotany of Rubiaceae Family Plants Used As Traditional Medicine in Tanjung Gusta Village Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency

Medicinal plants are all types of plants that are known to contain compounds that are useful and efficacious to prevent, alleviate or cure a disease. Rubiaceae is one of the flowering plant tribes. This study aims to determine the type of plant, how to use, and the value of ICS (Index Culture Significance) on plants of the Rubiaceae family in Tanjung Gusta Village, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency, which was conducted in May - July 2022. The research method used a descriptive survey conducted by means of field surveys and interviews. The results showed that the types of plants of the Rubiaceae family used as traditional medicine in Tanjung Gusta village are noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), asoka flower (Ixora coccinea), gambier (Uncaria acida), quinine (Cinchona pubeschens), cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa). How to use noni by squeezing the juice, for asoka flowers by brewing, for gambier by mashing, for quinine which is used is the skin, and for cat's claw by boiling. The highest ICS value is obtained from the noni plant (Morinda citrifolia L) with a value of 24 and the lowest ICS value is obtained from the Asoka plant (Ixora coccinea) and also the quinine plant (Cinchona pubeschens) which both have the lowest ICS value with a value of 12.

Morinda citrifolia fruit extract enhances the resistance of Penaeus vannamei to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacterium implicated as the causative agent of several shrimp diseases. As part of the effort to provide biocontrol and cost-effective treatments, this research was designed to elucidate the effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract on the immunity of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) to V. parahaemolyticus. The methanol extract of M. citrifolia was vacuum evaporated, and the bioactive compounds were detected using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS). Thereafter, P. vannamei PL diets were supplemented with M. citrifolia at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g) and administered for 30 days before 24 h of exposure to the bacterium V. parahaemolyticus. A total of 45 bioactive compounds were detected in the methanol extract of M. citrifolia, with cyclononasiloxane and octadecamethyl being the most abundant. The survival of P. vannamei PLs fed the extract supplement was better than that of the control group (7.1–26.7% survival greater than that of the control group) following V. parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimp fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia had the highest recorded survival. The activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes as well as hepatopancreatic cells were significantly reduced, except for those of lipase and hepatopancreatic E-cells, which increased following challenge with V. parahaemolyticus. Histological assessment of the hepatopancreas cells revealed reduced cell degeneration following the administration of the plant extracts (expecially those fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia) compared to that in the control group. Therefore, the enhanced immunity against V. parahaemolyticus infection in P. vannamei could be associated with the improved hepatopancreas health associated with M. citrifolia fruit extract supplementation.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota, and Morphometry, Blood Profiles and performance of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper aduncum, Morinda citrifolia, and Artocarpus altilis leaves Ethanolic Extracts.

Bioactive plants such as P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis might improve intestinal health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the ethanolic extracts (EEs) of these plants on the intestinal health of broiler chickens. Cobb 500 chickens (n = 352) were distributed into eight treatments with four replicates and 11 chickens each. T1 received a base diet, and T2 received a base diet with 0.005% zinc bacitracin. T3, T5, and T7 were supplemented with 0.005% of P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis EE in the diet while T4, T6, and T8 with 0.01% of the extract. The EEs were supplemented with drinking water from 1 to 26 days of age. The following parameters were evaluated: hematological profiles at 28 days of age, blood metabolites profiles at 14, 21, and 28 days; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus sp. abundance in the ileum mucosa and content at 21 and 28 days, and histomorphometry of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa at 14, 21, and 28 d. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were evaluated at seven, 21, and 33 days of age. M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 0.01% increased blood glucose levels at 21 and 28 days of age, respectively, and P. aduncum and M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% increased triglycerides at 28 days of age; in addition, this EE did not have any effect on the AST and ALT profiles. The depths of the Lieberkühn crypts and the villi length to the crypt's depth ratio increased with age on supplementation with 0.01% M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 21 days of age (p < 0.05). In addition, the depth of the crypts increased at 28 days of age (p < 0.05) in chickens supplemented with 0.01% A. altilis EE. The 0.01% M. citrifolia EE in diet decreased in the Staphylococcus aureus population in the ileal microbiota (p < 0.05). The FW and WG during the fattening and in the three stages overall increased, and the FCR decreased; however, the FI and the carcass yield did not change in the broiler chickens supplemented with 0.01% M. citrifolia EE (p < 0.05). Conclusively, the M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% of the diet improved intestinal health and thus the performance indices of the broiler chickens and did not have a detrimental effect on any of the parameters evaluated, so it is postulated as a potential alternative to AGP in poultry.

Planting patterns in rubber agroforestry (Hevea brasiliensis) developed by the communities of Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract The agroforestry system provides important economic and ecological benefits for local communities, one of which is obtained from the application of planting patterns and plants species in it. This research aims to explain the planting pattern of rubber agroforestry developed by the community in Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The approach in this research is qualitative. Data collection methods included observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The planting patterns of agroforestry system on their rubber plants were analysed. The research results showed that there are three agroforestry planting patterns implemented by the community, namely, alley cropping, trees along border and random mixture. The dominant combinations in alley cropping were rubber/karet (Hevea brasiliensis) – pulai (Alstonia scholaris) and rubber–mentru (Schima wallichii) – kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii). The dominant combinations in trees along border were rubber–akasia (Acacia auriculiformis), rubber–jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) – cempedak (Artocarpus integer) and rubber–petai (Parkia speciosa) – jati (Tectona grandis). The dominant combinations in the random mixture were rubber–jengkol (Pithecellobium lobatum), rubber–petai–jengkol–akasia, rubber–jackfruit–cempedak, rubber–pulai–mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) – jengkol and rubber–banana (Musa paradisiaca) – gadung (Dioscorea hispida) – sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack). Forty-one plant species were found. The local community wants to develop this planting pattern because the rubber agroforestry planting pattern can provide direct and indirect benefits such as a greater variety of plants which can increase their income; also, the products can be sold or consumed by the family, as a fence, fire break or barrier to other farmers’ land, can provide shade to reduce hot temperatures when farmers are working, and can reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion to support soil and water conservation within the ‘Omou’ (garden/forest). The government and agricultural extension workers need to carry out regular guidance and outreach programmes regarding rubber agroforestry development strategies to increase public knowledge.

Efek Antidiabetes Kombinasi Ekstrak Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) dan Kunyit (Curcuma longa) pada Tikus yang dibuat Hiperglikemik

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a disease characterized by hyperglycemia in a long time can cause the damage of pancreatic beta cells. Morinda citrifolia contains xeronine that can regenerate damaged pancreatic beta cells. While Curcuma longa contains curcumin which acts as an antioxidant will stabilize free radicals so it can inhibit pancreatic beta cell damage and stimulate insulin secretion.Methods: The study aim to analyze the effect of a combination of Morinda Citrifolia and Curcuma Longa in reducing blood glucose levels, increasing body weight and pancreatic histopathology in hyperglycemic mice. This type of research is an experiment with the Post Test Only Control Group. A total of 25 mice were divided into 5 groups namely PI (250 mg/dL), PII (500 mg/dL), PIII (750 mg/dL), K(+), and K(-). Blood glucose level was observed for 21 days followed by observation of pancreatic histopathology.Result: The results showed the percentage of glucose blood reduction occurred in the PI group (56.11%) and significantly different from negative controls (35.05%). There was no difference in body weight (p=0.7) and number of langerhans islet (p=0.360) in all treatment groups. The diameter of the Langerhans islet of the PI group (200.8 μm) was significantly different from the negative control (114.8 μm). (p&lt;0.05Conclusion : The combination of Morinda citrifolia and Curcuma longa extract can reduce blood glucose levels and increase body weight but not be able to optimally repair pancreatic islet damage.