The quest for natural alternatives to existing pharmaceutical therapies for hyperlipidaemia has been prompted by the known harmful effects of these medications, which are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) peel ethanol extract was tested for its antihyperlipidemic effects on total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice that had been hyperlipidaemic due to a high-fat diet. In a genuine experimental study with a pre- and post-test control group design, twenty-five male Mus musculus (ddy strain), two to three months old, weighing twenty to thirty grams each, were split into five groups: one served as a negative control, another as a positive control (simvastatin 0.10 mg/20g BW), and the three treatment groups that received lime peel extract (1, 2, and 2.8 mg/20g BW) were also given a weight. The 96% ethanol maceration process yielded 1.02% of the final extract. Boiling duck egg yolk at a 20% concentration for 14 days caused hyperlipidaemia. There was confirmation of flavonoids by the Shinoda test. Enzymatic colorimetric techniques were used to evaluate lipid levels on both Day 0 and Day 7. Two-Way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD were used for data analysis (p<0.05). Flavonoids were validated by phytochemical screening. Lipid reductions were statistically substantial (p<0.001) across all treatment groups. Similar to simvastatin, the most significant decrease was shown in triglycerides (from 212.8±24.6 to 73.8±5.0 mg/dL) and cholesterol (from 275.2±24.9 to 90.6±5.4 mg/dL) at the optimum dose of 2.8 mg/20g BW. Treatment, time, and their interaction were shown to have significant impacts according to Two-Way ANOVA (p<0.001). With 2.8 mg/20g BW showing excellent antihyperlipidemic action, an ethanol extract of Citrus aurantiifolia peel successfully reduces total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidaemic mice, indicating its promise as a natural treatment option.
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) is a practical method for collecting DNA samples; however, DNA stability on non-FTA filter paper such as Whatman No. 42 remains limited. Pre-hydration of the DBS matrix with Tris–EDTA (TE) buffer has the potential to enhance DNA stability during room-temperature storage. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of TE-hydrated DBS in maintaining DNA stability for short-term storage and transport. A paired quasi-experimental design was applied in which each subject provided two DBS samples: one on TE-hydrated paper and one on unmodified paper. Twenty subjects were recruited using convenience sampling, generating 40 DBS samples for analysis. TE hydration significantly increased DNA concentration compared with unmodified DBS (p < 0.01) and increased the proportion of samples with acceptable purity (A260/A280 = 1.8–2.0) (p = 0.031). Hydration with TE buffer was therefore effective in improving DNA yield, while its effect on DNA purity remained sensitive to technical variability and outlier influence. These findings indicate that TE-hydrated DBS has potential as an alternative medium for short-term DNA transport at room temperature. Further validation involving extended storage duration and downstream molecular testing is required.
Excessive ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces skin injury through oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, characterized by increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Soy-derived isoflavones possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been proposed as potential natural photoprotective agents. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical soy extract cream on TNF-alpha and VEGF expression in a sub-chronic UVB-induced skin injury model. An in vivo experimental study with a post-test-only control group design was conducted using 30 BALB/c mice randomly allocated into five groups: healthy control, UVB-exposed untreated control, UVB-exposed treated with vitamin E cream, UVB-exposed treated with 10% soy extract cream, and UVB-exposed treated with 20% soy extract cream (n = 6 per group). Mice were exposed to UVB radiation at 1 minimal erythema dose (MED) for 8 minutes per session, ten sessions over 14 days. On day 15, dorsal skin tissues were harvested and analyzed for TNF-alpha and VEGF levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA for TNF-alpha and Kruskal–Wallis test for VEGF. Sub-chronic UVB exposure significantly increased TNF-alpha levels compared with healthy controls. Topical application of soy extract cream significantly reduced TNF-alpha levels at both 10% (627 ± 44 pg/mL) and 20% (551 ± 130 pg/mL) compared with the UVB-exposed untreated group (916 ± 134 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). In parallel, VEGF levels were significantly elevated in the 10% (313.90 ± 101.39 pg/mL) and 20% (722.00 ± 57.67 pg/mL) treatment groups compared with the untreated UVB group (145.04 ± 26.57 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that topical soy extract cream attenuates UVB-induced inflammation while enhancing angiogenic signaling, suggesting its potential as a natural photoprotective formulation for mitigating sub-chronic UVB-induced skin damage.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induces skin damage characterized by collagen degradation and enhanced inflammatory responses. Hypoxia-preconditioned exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy due to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hypoxia-preconditioned MSC-derived exosomes on IL-1beta and caspase-1 gene expression in a UVB-induced skin damage model. An in vivo experimental study was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats divided into three groups: control, UVB-exposed, and UVB-exposed treated with hypoxia-preconditioned MSC-derived exosomes. UVB irradiation was administered for four weeks to induce collagen degradation, followed by weekly exosome injections in the treatment group. Gene expression levels of IL-1beta and caspase-1 in skin tissue were quantified using qRT-PCR. UVB exposure significantly increased IL-1beta and caspase-1 expression compared with the control group. Treatment with hypoxia-preconditioned MSC-derived exosomes significantly reduced the expression of both inflammatory markers compared with the untreated UVB group. These findings demonstrate that hypoxia-preconditioned MSC-derived exosomes attenuate inflammasome-associated inflammatory responses and may represent a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating UVB-induced skin damage.
This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and antibacterial efficacy of Kombucha black tea extract fermented for different durations (12, 18, and 20 days) against acne-causing bacteria. The research included qualitative phytochemical screening of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, steroid, and triterpenoid group identifications using specific assays. The study involved qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative determination of total flavonoid content, expressed in milligrams of Quercetin Equivalents per gram of extract (mg QE/g). Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and MRSA. Results showed that the extract is rich in flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and triterpenoids. The total flavonoid content varied significantly with fermentation time: 59.70 mg QE/g (Day 12), 80.28 mg QE/g (Day 18), and 71.95 mg QE/g (Day 20). The Day 18 extract demonstrated the strongest antibacterial inhibition against C. acnes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, optimized fermented Kombucha black tea extract exhibits significant antibacterial potential specifically targeting C. acnes, serving as a promising natural active ingredient for anti-acne therapy.
Wounds have a social and financial impact that affects the quality of life of millions of people. Wound healing received great attention, faster healing was associated with increased expression of Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) triggering cell proliferation and migration, increasing angiogenesis, regulating inflammation, and protecting cells from apoptosis, while IFN-? negatively contributed to the healing process of skin wounds. To prove the effect of pomegranate extract cream (Punica granatum) on FGF and IF-? levels in excision wound model rats. The experimental study used a post test only control group design, the research sample used 48 Wistar rats, which were divided into 12 groups, consisting of 6 groups that were examined after the 3rd day of treatment and the next 6 groups were examined after the 7th day of treatment. The average FGF level after the 3rd day of treatment with the Kruskal Wallis test was 0.000 and the average FGF level after the 7th day was 0.000 (<0.05) indicating that there was a significant difference between groups in FGF levels. Meanwhile, the average IF-? level after the 3rd day of treatment with a one-way anova test with a result of 0.001 (<0.05) and the average IF-? level after the 7th day obtained a result of 0.001 (<0.05) indicating that there was a significant difference between groups on IF-? levels. The administration of pomegranate extract cream had an effect on increasing FGF levels and decreasing IF-? levels in rats after excision wounds. The 20% pomegranate extract cream dose had the most effective effect on increasing FGF levels and decreasing IF-? levels .
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter medication widely used for the management of fever and pain, resulting in a continuous increase in its consumption. Although generally considered safe and well tolerated, paracetamol may, in rare cases, cause severe and life-threatening adverse reactions, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). SJS/TEN is a severe drug reaction associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of paracetamol-induced SJS/TEN in a patient with diabetes mellitus. The diagnosis was established based on clinical manifestations and a history of drug exposure. The patient was managed with supportive and pharmacological therapy under close monitoring, including careful glycemic control. This case report highlights the importance of vigilance for severe adverse drug reactions, even when commonly perceived safe medications are used.
Leptospirosis is a priority zoonotic disease in Indonesia and has the potential to cause outbreaks. The mortality rate of leptospirosis cases ranges from 5-20%. Predictors of mortality in leptospirosis include advanced age, oliguria, shortness of breath, icterus, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of potassium, creatinine, bilirubin, and urea. The purpose of this study was to analyze mortality predictor factors based on laboratory results in leptospirosis patients in Demak Regency, Indonesia. Data were obtained from 51 leptospirosis patients based on hospital medical record data in Demak Regency for 2018-2023. The study design used was a retrospective cohort. Predictors of mortality were analyzed with Cox regression. The results showed causes of death include: thrombocytopenia <100,000 cells/mm³ (53.33%), creatinine >3 mg/dL (58.33%), and urea >90 mg/dL (61.54%). Laboratory results shown to be associated with mortality have been identified, including platelets <100,000 cells/mm³ (HR: 5.39; CI 95%: 1.23-23.59; p-value: 0.0063), creatinine >3 mg/dL (HR: 4.37; CI 95%: 1.43-13.3; p-value: 0.0040), and urea >90 mg/dL (HR: 7.44; 95% CI: 1.70-32.44; p-value: 0.0008). Research concludes, platelets, creatinine, and urea are predictors of leptospirosis mortality. This study presents significant clinical implications for the management of leptospirosis in improving the treatment of patients. Detection of these predictors will help to quickly identify patient severity, thereby enabling decision making regarding early use of intensive care.
Alopecia is a condition characterized by hair loss, often caused by inflammation and disruption of growth factor pathways, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1Beta) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This study evaluated the effects of Exosome Hypoxia Mesenchymal Stem Cells (EH-MSCs) on IL-1β and IGF-1 levels in fluconazole-induced alopecia-like Wistar rats. Using a randomized in vivo experimental design, rats were divided into five groups: a healthy control, a fluconazole-only group, a minoxidil-treated group, and two EH-MSC-treated groups with different doses (100 µg/kgBW and 200 µg/kgBW). IL-1Beta and IGF-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA. The results revealed that EH-MSCs significantly suppressed IL-1Beta levels, particularly at a dose of 200 µg/kgBW, achieving values comparable to the healthy control group. Similarly, IGF-1 levels were restored significantly, with the 200 µg/kgBW dose showing near-normal levels. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling by exosomal miR-146a and the upregulation of IGF-1 through miR-126-mediated PI3K/Akt activation. The findings highlight the dual role of EH-MSCs in reducing inflammation and promoting hair follicle regeneration. This study provides critical insights into the therapeutic potential of EH-MSCs as a cell-free alternative for treating alopecia and lays the groundwork for further research on their clinical applications.
This study investigated the antihyperuricemic effects of ethanol and n-hexane fractions derived from celery (Apium graveolens L.) leaves and stems in potassium oxonate-induced Wistar rats. Celery plant materials were subjected to extraction and subsequent fractionation using ethanol and n-hexane. Phytochemical profiling using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified the presence of phenolic compounds across all fractions. Serum uric acid levels were measured before and after induction, followed by treatment with allopurinol and the respective celery fractions. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in uric acid levels among treatment groups after intervention. In vitro xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition was assessed using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, with allopurinol demonstrating the highest inhibitory activity, followed by the ethanol fraction of celery stems. Histopathological evaluation of renal tissues showed glomerular necrosis in the untreated hyperuricemic group, while varying degrees of renal damage persisted in groups treated with celery fractions, particularly at higher doses of leaf extracts. Overall, the findings suggest that ethanol and n-hexane fractions of celery possess antihyperuricemic potential, likely mediated through XO inhibition, although their renal protective effects appear limited under the conditions tested.
With the growing global demand for natural bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals, fermented plant extracts have gained increasing attention for their enhanced bioavailability and efficacy. This study investigates the effect of fermentation duration (17, 19, and 21 days) on the flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of black tea kombucha, aiming to explore its potential as a natural anti-aging agent. The research employed a post-test-only control group design and assessed secondary metabolite profiles, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Phytochemical screening showed the consistent presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and steroids/triterpenoids across all samples, while alkaloids were absent. A strong positive correlation was observed between fermentation duration and bioactive potential. Total flavonoid content increased from 67.23% (day 17) to 74.16% (day 21), while antioxidant activity improved significantly, with IC50 values decreasing from 23.23 µg/mL to 18.39 µg/mL, respectively. These findings indicate that extending fermentation up to 21 days enhances the antioxidant efficacy of black tea kombucha. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of extended-fermentation kombucha as a promising active ingredient in anti-aging skincare formulations targeting oxidative stress.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by abnormalities in ventilation, including disturbances in the airflow channel. In case this patient is 58 years old with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute exacerbation (COPD AE), Heart Failure (HF), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Hypokalemia, Hypoalbumin. When treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) patient experiencing HAP pneumonia and septic condition, with blood sugar at 324, and use insulin later in an empirical patient treated with antifungal Fluconazole infusion, from the drugs used, researchers need to examine whether fluconazole and insulin are used in the therapy of septic conditions with diabetes. After conducting a literature review of the use of fluconazole infusion and insulin in patients with septic condition cases, things This done to prevent the occurrence of death in patients treated in the ICU. Fluconazole and insulin in the treatment of ICU patients with septic conditions have an appropriate level for preventing death.
Quorum sensing (QS) plays an essential role in biofilm production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant cause of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance. One herb thought to have antibiofilm activity is green tea (Camellia sinensis), which contains catechins and their derivatives. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular interactions between catechin derivatives and LasR, a key quorum-sensing regulator involved in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, using an in silico approach. Protein and ligand structures are obtained from the Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) and PubChem. Molecular docking was simulated with BIOVIA Discovery Studio, AutoDock, and PyMol applications. Visualizations were performed with the LigPlot+ application. Druglikeness was tested based on Lipinski's rule of five and toxicity prediction using ProTox 3.0. Molecular docking studies showed differences in binding affinity and interaction between catechin and its derivatives against protein LasR from P. aeruginosa. EGC and EC have higher binding affinity and many similarities in amino acid residues against the natural ligand OHN. Drug-likeness evaluation showed that only the EGCG compound did not meet the criteria of Lipinski's rule of five. Toxicity predictions show that all compounds are in class 4, except for EGC (class 6). Overall, EGC was predicted to be the most promising computational candidate for further investigation as a potential LasR-targeting quorum-sensing inhibitor.
The liver is highly susceptible to oxidative stress and inflammatory damage, particularly following exposure to hepatotoxic agents such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Concerns regarding the adverse effects of conventional anti-inflammatory therapies have increased interest in herbal alternatives, including purwoceng (Pimpinella alpina Molk), a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids and saponins with potential hepatoprotective activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purwoceng root extract on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha ) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a CCl₄-induced liver injury model. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: a negative control, a positive control receiving curcumin, and three treatment groups administered purwoceng extract at doses of 50, 100, or 150 mg/200 g body weight. Serum TNF-alpha and CRP levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis or one-way ANOVA tests, as appropriate. The purwoceng-treated groups exhibited lower TNF-alpha levels compared with the negative control; however, these reductions were not statistically significant. CRP levels demonstrated dose-dependent variability, with the lowest concentration observed at the 50 mg dose and a significant increase at the 150 mg dose, indicating a potential shift toward pro-oxidant or pro-inflammatory effects at higher doses. Although a statistically significant dose–response relationship was not established, these findings reflect the complex biological activity of purwoceng extract. In conclusion, purwoceng may exert modulatory effects on inflammatory markers in CCl₄-induced liver injury, but determination of an optimal therapeutic window is essential. Further studies involving bioactive compound isolation, pharmacokinetic and toxicity evaluation, and time-course analysis are warranted to clarify its hepatoprotective potential.
Second-degree burn injuries necessitate efficient treatment approaches to expedite wound healing and reinstate skin integrity. Exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells (E-MSCs) are a promising cell-free therapeutic approach owing to their capacity to control inflammation and facilitate tissue regeneration. This research utilized a post-test-only control group experimental design with 28 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four groups: healthy control (G1), burn damage treated with NaCl (G2), and burn injury treated with E-MSCs at doses of 100 µL (G3) and 200 µL (G4). On the seventh day following therapy, the expression levels of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were measured using RT-PCR. The expression of KGF was markedly elevated in G3 (0.65 ± 0.03) and G4 (0.92 ± 0.08) in comparison to G2 (0.32 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). Likewise, PDGF expression was significantly elevated in G3 (1.08 ± 0.24) and G4 (1.49 ± 0.19) compared to G2 (0.66 ± 0.08; p < 0.001). The results indicate a dose-dependent influence of E-MSC administration on the upregulation of KGF and PDGF, which are essential for epithelialization and angiogenesis in the wound healing process. In conclusion, E-MSCs demonstrate considerable promise as a cell-free treatment strategy for improving the healing of second-degree burns. Additional research is necessary to confirm these results and evaluate their practical relevance in clinical environments.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The increasing prevalence of TB strains resistant to multiple antibiotics, including isoniazid, highlights the urgent need for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostic methods. One such method is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This study aimed to compare the analytical sensitivity of qPCR assays for detecting isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis using SYBR Green and TaqMan Probe chemistries. Analytical sensitivity was evaluated using DNA from isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis carrying the S315G mutation, which was serially diluted up to 10⁻⁹. Primary data were analyzed using probit regression analysis. The results showed that the analytical sensitivity of the SYBR Green method was 1.5045 × 10⁻³ ng/µL, while that of the TaqMan Probe method was 1.0205 × 10⁻³ ng/µL. These findings indicate that the qPCR TaqMan Probe method is approximately 1.47 times more sensitive than the SYBR Green method. However, further studies evaluating additional validation parameters are required to determine the most suitable method for routine diagnostic application.
Histopathological staining is essential for the assessment of tissue morphology, with hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining being the most widely used technique. However, eosin poses several limitations, including carcinogenic potential, tissue damage, flammability, and environmental hazards. Natural pigments derived from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (karamunting), Melastoma malabathricum (senduduk), and Daemonorops draco (jernang) fruits represent promising safer alternatives due to their richness in chromogenic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of these fruit extracts as substitutes for eosin in H&E histopathological staining. A true experimental design was employed, comprising qualitative phytochemical screening, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling, extract pH analysis, and histopathological staining of pancreatic tissue obtained from diabetic white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Staining performance was assessed using extract concentrations of 70%, 80%, and 90%, with conventional H&E staining as a positive control and unstained sections as a negative control. Phytochemical analysis revealed that senduduk extracts contained flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins; karamunting extracts contained flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins; and jernang extracts contained flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. GC–MS analysis identified 19 metabolites in senduduk, 27 in karamunting, and 4 in jernang extracts. All extracts exhibited acidic pH values. Among the tested conditions, the 90% karamunting extract produced the most satisfactory staining, yielding a distinct reddish coloration of the cytoplasm and connective tissue with adequate contrast to delineate pathological alterations, whereas other extracts and concentrations resulted in suboptimal staining quality. To our knowledge, this is the first study to comparatively evaluate the staining performance of these three natural fruit extracts on pancreatic tissue from diabetic rats using an integrated phytochemical, metabolomic, and pH profiling approach. The findings indicate that a 90% karamunting fruit extract has potential as a natural substitute for eosin in H&E histopathological staining.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes persistent skin inflammation, resulting in oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, and progressive loss of collagen. Exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells of the umbilical cord (EH-MSCs) have surfaced as a promising cell-free therapeutic approach owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. This experimental work assessed the impact of EH-MSC exosomes on inflammatory and oxidative stress indicators in a rat model of collagen loss induced by UVB exposure. Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: healthy control (G1), UVB-exposed animals administered NaCl (G2), hyaluronic acid (G3), 200 µL of EH-MSC exosomes (G4), and 300 µL of EH-MSC exosomes (G5). Exosomes were extracted from rat umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells via tangential flow filtration and subsequently analyzed using flow cytometry. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentrations were quantified via ELISA, and statistical evaluation was conducted employing ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The minimal TNF-α levels were recorded in the healthy control group (72.08 ± 18.30 pg/mL), whereas the maximal values were identified in the hyaluronic acid group (216.80 ± 56.27 pg/mL). Subcutaneous delivery of EH-MSC exosomes in G4 and G5 markedly decreased TNF-α levels in comparison to the saline and hyaluronic acid groups (p < 0.05). GPx levels were maximal in the G5 group (722.60 ± 57.67 pg/mL) and minimal in the saline-treated group (46.90 ± 11.29 pg/mL). Marked disparities in GPx levels were noted among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that subcutaneous delivery of EH-MSC exosomes at dosages of 200 µL and 300 µL significantly reduces inflammation and improves antioxidant activity in UVB-induced collagen degradation. EH-MSC exosomes exhibit promise as a cell-free therapeutic strategy for alleviating UVB-induced skin damage.
Bacterial infections remain a major public health problem in Indonesia, with increasing concern related to antimicrobial resistance. The use of antibacterial combinations has been proposed as a strategy to enhance antibacterial efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial interaction between kersen leaf extract (Muntingia calabura L.) and beluntas leaf extract (Pluchea indica L.) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. This study employed an experimental laboratory design using a broth microdilution method with a checkerboard assay. Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the interaction between extracts was evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The MIC values of kersen and beluntas leaf extracts tested individually were 10 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively. When combined, bacterial growth inhibition was achieved at reduced concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL kersen leaf extract and 0.5 mg/mL beluntas leaf extract. The MBC values of kersen and beluntas leaf extracts alone were 10 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively, while the combination showed bactericidal activity at 5 mg/mL kersen leaf extract and 0.5 mg/mL beluntas leaf extract. The calculated FICI value was 0.5, indicating a synergistic interaction between the two extracts. In conclusion, the combination of kersen and beluntas leaf extracts exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, as demonstrated by reduced MIC and MBC values. These findings suggest that this plant extract combination has potential for further development as an alternative antibacterial strategy, pending additional in-depth studies.
Wound healing is a complex biological process aimed at restoring the integrity and function of damaged tissues. The demand for effective and aesthetically satisfying wound repair has driven interest in natural therapeutic alternatives to synthetic drugs. Punica granatum (pomegranate) has been reported to possess significant wound healing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical pomegranate extract cream on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in an excision wound model in rats. A post-test-only control group design was used with 48 male Wistar rats divided into 12 treatment groups. VEGF and IL-10 levels were measured on day 3 and day 7 after treatment. Statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and Tamhane’s post hoc test showed significant differences in VEGF and IL-10 expression across treatment groups (p = 0.000), with the highest levels observed in the 20% pomegranate cream group on both days (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that topical pomegranate extract cream enhances wound healing by increasing VEGF and IL-10 expression, particularly at the 20% concentration.
