Indonesian cacao exhibits strong potential as Fine Flavor Cacao (FFC), as demonstrated by its recognition at international events. However, maintaining consistent cacao bean quality remains a major challenge, largely due to spontaneous fermentation processes that result in variable microbial communities. This study aimed to optimize laboratory-scale cacao bean fermentation through the application of defined microbial starter cultures. Fermentation was conducted using either a single yeast starter (Pichia kudriavzevii) or a mixed starter culture comprising P. kudriavzevii, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Acetobacter tropicalis. Each treatment utilized 1.2 kg of fresh cacao beans and was performed in duplicate. Following fermentation, the non-volatile compounds composition and flavor profile of the cacao beans were analyzed. The results showed that fermentation with the Pichia starter produced cacao beans characterized by more pronounced floral and woody notes, whereas the mixed starter culture resulted in cacao beans with enhanced fresh fruit notes. Both fermentation strategies yielded cacao beans with high-quality flavor profiles. These findings highlight the potential of starter culture-based fermentation as a viable approach for small-scale cacao processing to achieve consistent and tailored flavor characteristics.

Hemorrhoid is a multifactorial condition involving inflammation, venous stasis, degeneration of supporting tissue, and vascular fragility. It requires safer adjunctive therapy options for long-term use. This narrative review seeks to comprehensively examine potential anti-hemorrhoidal medicinal plants by linking bioactive compounds, pharmacological targets, and evidence from in vitro , in vivo , and clinical trials. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, focusing on original research articles that documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, venoprotective-venotonic, hemostatic-astringent, analgesic, and wound healing activities. The articles were further synthesized qualitatively according to the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids. A total of 90 articles met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on the predominant mechanism, namely anti-inflammatory–antioxidant agents (14 plants; 41 articles), vasoprotective–venotonic agents (6 plants; 10 articles), astringent–hemostatic agents (6 plants; 14 articles), and analgesic and wound healing acceleration (7 plants; 25 articles). The findings showed that medicinal plants operate through a multitarget manner by suppressing inflammatory mediators, increasing endogenous antioxidant defenses, improving venous tone and microvascular stability, supporting local hemostasis, and accelerating mucosal regeneration. Nonetheless, the evidence remains predominantly derived from preclinical studies, with variations in extraction methods, formulations, routes of administration, and dosages. Overall, medicinal plants have potential as adjuvant therapy for hemorrhoids; nevertheless, standardization of extracts and controlled clinical trials are necessary to ensure efficacy and safety.

Chronic wounds remain a persistent clinical challenge due to their complex pathology involving prolonged inflammation, microbial biofilms, and impaired tissue regeneration. Emerging research highlights the dynamic role of the human microbiome in modulating immune responses and influencing wound healing outcomes. Disruptions to this microbial balance, termed dysbiosis, not only exacerbate infection but also hinder therapeutic efficacy. Recent advances in smart and sustainable nanotechnology offer promising avenues to address these challenges. By integrating microbiome-sensitive mechanisms with targeted delivery systems, bio-based nanomaterials can overcome multidrug resistance, modulate inflammation, and accelerate healing. This review explores the molecular interplay between chronic infections and host immunity, highlights next-generation nanomaterials for regenerative applications, and proposes a sustainable paradigm that bridges clinical effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

Abstract. Kartini K, Shevira RA, Setiawan F, Pradana AT, Azminah A, Sukweenadhi J, Rosyidah A, Widyowati R. 2025. Botanical, phytochemical, and bioactivity characterization of Coleus scutellarioides. Biodiversitas 26: 3623-3633. Coleus scutellarioides, commonly known as miana in Indonesia, is a versatile ornamental plant with a longstanding history of traditional medicinal use, particularly for treating inflammation and metabolic disorders. This study focuses on the purple variety due to its prevalence in traditional medicine and its distinctive features, including deep purple foliage with serrated margins. A comprehensive characterization was conducted, including botanical identification, physicochemical tests, and spectroscopic analysis (TLC, ATR-FTIR) to support its standardization as a medicinal crude drug. Biological activities were assessed for in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, NO) and enzyme inhibition (?-glucosidase, ?-amylase, xanthine oxidase) assays. Botanical analysis confirmed distinct morphological and microscopic traits, aiding in varietal identification. The physical evaluation yielded acceptable standardization values: loss on drying (8.86% w/w), total ash (9.35% w/w), and acid-insoluble ash (2.57% w/w). The thick extract exhibited a moisture content of 20.04% w/w, with total and acid-insoluble ash contents of 5.44% w/w and 3.72% w/w, respectively. Thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, with total flavonoid contents of 0.59 mg QE/g (crude drug, i.e., dried plant material prior to extraction) and 1.64 mg QE/g (concentrated extract). Extractive values indicated that water-soluble constituents dominate. Biological assays demonstrated significant antioxidant activity (IC?? = 70.06 µg/mL), moderate ?-glucosidase (IC?? = 630 µg/mL), weak xanthine oxidase (IC?? = 900 µg/mL) and nitric oxide (IC?? = 2.52×10³ µg/mL) inhibition, but no ?-amylase inhibition activity. These findings support the traditional use of C. scutellarioides and provide scientific evidence for its potential as a natural remedy for oxidative stress and metabolic disorders.

Nutraceuticals encompass bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids inherent in food that play defensive roles against human ailments. Presently, the pharmaceutical industry is focused on nutraceutical-based nanomaterials to mitigate drawbacks in obesity treatment. The use of nanomaterials enhances bioavailability, stability, and targeted drug delivery, diminishing side effects. This review delineates the significance, limitations, and molecular mechanisms of nutraceuticals' pharmacological properties, emphasizing how nutraceutical-based nanomaterials address challenges for effective obesity treatment. We outline potential nano-based anti-obesity drugs for heightened pharmacological impact and acknowledge associated clinical challenges and limitations. Critically, we evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of nutraceuticals, advocating various delivery systems to enhance their anti-obesity efficacy. Notably, nutraceutical-based nanoparticles offer increased bioavailability, precise distribution, reduced side effects, and prolonged sustainability, revolutionizing obesity management. Conscious implementation of nutraceutical-based nanoparticles holds promise in alleviating complications associated with conventional nutraceuticals in obesity management.

Carene isoforms, particularly 3-carene, are naturally occurring bicyclic monoterpenes from Piper nigrum that exhibit promising anti-cancer properties due to their ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cells, but its mechanisms in gastric (AGS) and lung (H727) cancer cells remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3-carene on cell viability, anti-proliferative activity, and apoptosis in AGS and H727 cells treated with varying concentrations using MTT assays, light and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and molecular docking analyses. Pharmacokinetics and dynamics were assessed via ADMET analysis and simulations. Results demonstrated that 3-carene significantly reduced cell viability in both cell lines, with IC50 values of 12.30 µg/mL for AGS cells and 12.61 µg/mL for H727 cells, surpassing the efficacy of cisplatin. Flow cytometry confirmed dose-dependent induction (Annexin V/PI) of apoptosis and significant GO/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Consistent with these findings, molecular docking and dynamic simulations analyses revealed strong binding affinity and stable interactions of 3-carene with key cell cycle regulatory proteins, suggesting a direct molecular basis for the observed cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, molecular study revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes including Bax and Caspase-3, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 was downregulated. Taken together, these data indicate that 3-carene exerts anti-cancer effects by promoting apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial route and disrupting cell cycle progression, making it a promising therapeutic agent for metastatic gastric and lung malignancies.

For the first time, our study provides a comprehensive examination of the anti-cancer effects of structural isomers of carene in breast cancer cells, specifically focusing on cell cycle inhibition and the induction of apoptosis. We utilized the hydro-distillation method to extract Piper nigrum seed essential oil (PNS-EO) and identified its bioactive components through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 46 bioactive compounds were isolated via hydro-distillation, identified through GC-MS analysis, and validated by co-injection using GC analysis. The major constituent, 3-carene displayed the most substantial anti-proliferative effect on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, with an IC50 value of 11.19 mu g/mL. Further, docking studies were conducted to evaluate the putative role of 3-carene in inhibiting the cell cycle proteins (CDKN2A, CCND1, CDK4), as well as proteins in the apoptosis pathway (BCL-XL, BAX, BAK, Caspase 3). Additionally, we employed fluorescence- activated cell sorting (FACS) and clonogenic assays to evaluate cell cycle inhibition and time-dependent initiation of apoptosis. Moreover, fluorescence techniques including Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), Hoechst staining, and Propidium iodide (PI) staining were performed to assess cell death and apoptosis. Furthermore, molecular techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to investigate the mechanism of cell death was elucidated through the inhibition of Bcl-2, MMP2, MMP9, and Akt expression, alongside the activation of Bax, cytochrome C , and Caspases 3 and 9 . Our findings indicate that 3-carene, isolated through hydro-distillation, effectively hinders the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, it shows promise for incorporation into combinational anti-cancer therapies, warranting further research.

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known for their potent antibacterial properties, making them suitable for wound healing applications. Aims: This study focuses on formulating AgNPs into dermal patch films (DPFs), leveraging the adhesive properties of the film for the effective delivery of active ingredients. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized through a green synthesis method using Plantago major L. Leaf extract as a bioreductant. Five distinct formulations, ranging from AgNP concentration of 0% (control), 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.10%, were optimized and denoted as Formulas 1-5 (F1-F5), respectively. The films were fabricated by solvent casting method employing a manual film applicator. A variety of evaluations were then performed on the films, including assessments of their physical and chemical characteristics. These characteristics included organoleptic properties, film thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, loss on drying (LOD), crystallinity, the interaction between active ingredients and excipients, the morphological characteristics of the films, and a wound healing study. Results: All formulations resulted in smooth and transparent films. Favorable outcomes were observed in film thickness and surface pH measurements. Formulations F1-F4 demonstrated exceptional folding endurance (> 200 times). This is also affirmed by a reduction in the -OH peak in the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis showed that F1-F4 had adopted an amorphous structure, while F5 retained crystalline AgNPs. The drying process revealed that F5 exhibited the lowest moisture loss. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging displayed distinct morphologies among the five formulations. F4 and F5 exhibited the highest percentage of wound healing. Conclusion: The formulation of AgNPs synthesized through a green synthesis method, utilizing Plantago major L. leaf extract as a bioreductant, has demonstrated significant improvements in the physical characteristics, particularly in Formulations F1-F4. Notably, F4 exhibited the highest wound healing efficacy. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that F4 (AgNPs 0.05%) represents the most promising DPF formulation for enhanced wound healing applications.

Context: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves have the potential to be developed as a raw material for traditional medicine or herbal cosmetics. In this study, the green extraction method and the selection of solvents to increase the extraction yield of active compounds and bioactivities from R. tomentosa leaves were carried out. Aims: To develop the environmentally friendly extraction method for R. tomentosa leaves using pharmaceutical excipients and find out the best extraction solvent and conditions that can simultaneously extract the active compound and bioactivities. Methods: R. tomentosa leaves were extracted using 14 different solvents, including conventional solvents and pharmaceutical excipients. The ultrasound-assisted extraction method was chosen to promote the green extraction principles. All the extracts obtained were then evaluated for their phenolic, flavonoid content, antioxidant, and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activities. Meanwhile, the optimization was carried out using Box Behnken response surface methodology. Results: The ethanolic extract of R. tomentosa leaves has the highest (p<0.05) extraction yield, very strong antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity compared to water, ethyl acetate, and chloroform. Among 10 excipients tested in this study, propylene glycol has the best (p<0.05) ability to extract R. tomentosa leaves. Propylene glycol was then used in the extraction optimization phase. Our result showed that the extraction conditions for optimizing phenolic compounds were a temperature of 30°C, an extraction time of 40 min, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.05 g/mL. Conclusions: The use of propylene glycol and the UAE method together showed good potential to be developed as a green extraction method for R. tomentosa leaves.

Wheat flour is usually used in food products. Wheat flour consumption and import costs in Indonesia are quite high. The idea of using fruit by-products to substitute wheat flour has the potential to reduce health and environmental problems. Because many fruit by-products contain beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds, it might also become a solution for those with celiac disease because they are gluten-free. Both durian seeds and papaya seeds are abundantly available in Indonesia as a tropical country, so both can be made into fruit by-product flour. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of durian seed flour and papaya seed flour, the best formulation of composite flour made from wheat flour, durian seed flour, and papaya seed flour to make crispy cheese cookies, and the organoleptic characteristics of the cookies made from the composite flours. Randomized Group Design was applied with the following parameters: Yield, color, bulk density, water activity, proximate, crude fiber, dietary fiber, starch, shelf life, and organoleptic characteristics. The study showed that based on the physicochemical properties and highest organoleptic score, the best flour composition for crispy cheese cookies is F3 (50% wheat flour: 40% durian seed flour : 10% papaya seed flour). Durian seed flour and papaya seed flour are proven potential to be formulated and used to make crispy cheese cookies.

This study explores a novel approach to treat acne using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Plantago major (Pm). We aimed to create a stable, safe, and effective anti-acne sheet mask. AgNPs were synthesized using water extracts of Pm leaves and formulated into an anti-acne sheet mask. The sheet mask was assessed for physical stability through freeze-thaw cycling tests and evaluated for safety through dermal irritation tests. The efficacy was assessed on the sheet mask's impact on Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and inflammation. The anti-acne sheet mask containing AgNPs synthesized from Pm was found to be physically stable and safe for use, with no significant skin irritation observed. The formulation exhibited effective inhibition of P. acnes, particularly in the formula containing only AgNPs. In addition, the sheet mask preparations demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-acne sheet mask containing AgNPs synthesized from Pm exhibited favorable safety profile, inhibited P. acnes bacteria, and possessed anti-inflammatory properties. Keyword: Anti-acne Sheet mask Silver nanoparticles Plantago major Safety Efficacy Citation: Avanti C, Muftilana A, Fiesta B, Rani KC, Sukweenadhi J, Kartini K, Mago RG, Devi WV, Wulansari DD, Kirtishanti A. Plantago major synthesized silver nanoparticles in an anti-acne facial sheet mask: physical stability, safety, and efficacy. J App Biol Biotech. 2024. Online First. http://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2024.169385 Copyright: Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.

Excessive inflammation can lead to chronic diseases, necessitating the development of effective anti-inflammatory therapies. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNps) synthesized using Lactobacillus kimchicus DCY51T, a probiotic strain from Korean kimchi. The objective is to explore the potential of DCY51T-AuNps in modulating inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Methods: AuNps were synthesized through a meticulous procedure involving the probiotic Lactobacillus kimchicus DCY51T. The isolation and subsequent cultivation of the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line in the DMEM medium formed the basis for the research methodology. Results: Following the establishment of the cellular platform, the cells were treated with DCY51T-AuNps, revealing a noteworthy reduction in the expression of key inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). A pivotal aspect of the study focused on the inhibitory effects of DCY51T-AuNps on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of the NF-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway within RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: This inhibition was instrumental in modulating the inflammatory response, showcasing the potential therapeutic relevance of DCY51T-AuNps in combating inflammation. The novelty lies in using a probiotic-derived synthesis method, offering a sustainable and biocompatible approach to nanoparticle production. The benefit of this research not only underscores the anti-inflammatory prowess of DCY51T-AuNps on RAW264.7 macrophages but also contributes to the broader scientific discourse on the biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles synthesized from probiotic sources, potentially benefiting the development of new anti-inflammatory therapies and advancing nanomedicine.

This study is a further scale-up trial from the previously reported process optimization study on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Indonesian medicinal plant extracts. The present study utilized Phyllanthus niruri (PN) herb extracts, Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) leaf extracts, and Curcuma longa (CL) rhizome extracts as reducing agents to synthesize AgNPs on a larger scale. Upscaling increased the synthesis volume (from 100 mL to 1000 mL) and the centrifugation volume (from 1 mL to 40 mL) at various durations at 70 degrees C for 60 min. The results showed that the minimum centrifugation duration to obtain optimal AgNPs was 5 minutes. The formation AgNPs were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size and zeta potential analyzer, and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The results showed the spherical silver nanoparticles with an average particle size (MI) of 169 nm (PN), 179.1 nm (OS), and 623 nm (CL), polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.2202 (PN), 0.2579 (OS), and 0.00872 (CL) and the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. The green synthesis method using PN and OS extracts proved effective, environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective for the synthesis of AgNPs. The findings of this study have the potential to provide a green synthesis method for the production of AgNPs on a larger scale.

The increasing demand for red ginger (Zingiber officinale Roxb. var. rubrum Rosc.) both at the domestic and international levels has led to the need for gingerol production, a main compound of red ginger, which has various pharmacological activities. The urgency of this research is related to gingerol produced in cultivated red ginger, which often shows variability in quantity due to genetic variation and differences in geographical and environmental conditions where it is grown, so it requires gingerol standardization efforts. Through tissue culture techniques, it is possible to propagate plants in a controlled environment, ensuring genetic uniformity and minimizing variations caused by genetic factors. Red ginger raw materials that can be produced consistently, quickly, and land-efficiently with high gingerol content and pesticide-free have become an essential economic necessity. In this joint study with PT. Bintang Toedjoe, researchers intend to utilize root culture bioprocessing technology to increase gingerol production from red ginger. Root cultures have stabile genetics and growth faster; thus, these techniques imply the formation of organs or structures conducive to enhanced gingerol production. Our research has revealed successful protocols for inducing and multiplying suitable callus for organogenesis. Through the application of hormones, the best callus induction is using a combination of 3 ppm 2,4-D and 0.2 ppm BA with a callus production percentage of 67%. On the other hand, a satisfactory callus multiplication rate was used using 1 ppm 2,4-D with the most significant increase in explant area (79 mm2) by ruler alignment. Meanwhile, the rooting response was prominent at 1 ppm 2,4-D + 3 ppm BA.

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular functional foods that has been tremendously exploited for synthesis of a vast majority of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The diverse secondary metabolites present in this plant turn it into a green tool for synthesis of different NPs with various biological activities. In this review, we discussed different types of NPs including silver, gold, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide NPs produced from the extract of different parts of M. oleifera. Different parts of M. oleifera take a role as the reducing, stabilizing, capping agent, and depending on the source of extract, the color of solution changes within NP synthesis. We highlighted the role of polyphenols in the synthesis of NPs among major constituents of M. oleifera extract. The different synthesis methods that could lead to the formation of various sizes and shapes of NPs and play crucial role in biomedical application were critically discussed. We further debated the mechanism of interaction of NPs with various sizes and shapes with the cells, and further their clearance from the body. The application of NPs made from M. oleifera extract as anticancer, antimicrobial, wound healing, and water treatment agent were also discussed. Small NPs show better antimicrobial activity, while they can be easily cleared from the body through the kidney. In contrast, large NPs are taken by the mono nuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells. In case of shape, the NPs with spherical shape penetrate into the bacteria, and show stronger antibacterial activity compared to the NPs with other shapes. Finally, this review aims to correlate the key characteristics of NPs made from M. oleifera extract, such as size and shape, to their interactions with the cells for designing and engineering them for bio-applications and especially for therapeutic purposes.

Tobacco cultivation is prevalent in Indonesia and contributes significantly to the economy. However, it has negative impacts on social, health, and environmental conditions. The tobacco waste generated is classified as pre-harvest and post-harvest waste, which can be utilized to extract nicotine and recycle essential nutrients. Nicotine has various biological activities and potential health benefits. The extraction of nicotine from tobacco waste is a pressing issue to provide a valuable resource for various industries and reduce the environmental harm caused by burning tobacco waste. The study optimized the HPLC conditions for the detection of nicotine, including the mobile phase composition and flow rate, using a UV detector and a C18 column. The optimal eluent composition was Acetate Buffer: Methanol: Acetonitrile with a ratio of 30:50:20, and the optimal flow rate was 0.2 mL min-1. Additionally, it was found that the nicotine content of tobacco stem samples was higher than that of tobacco dust samples. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the extraction and analysis of nicotine in tobacco samples using HPLC, which can have important implications on developing sustainable tobacco production practices to minimize the negative impacts of tobacco cultivation on social, health, and environmental conditions.

Raw cacao beans are non-premium cacao without cacao pulp fermentation. This raw bean still contains enough protein and polyphenol contents for functional food. In this study, cacao bean was used to substitute soybeans in tempeh fermentation. The soybean-cacao tempeh, called tekao tempeh, was then processed to make tekao flour. The aim of this research was to evaluate the characteristics of the flour made from soybean:cacao tempeh. The tekao flour was made from tempeh with a soybean:cacao proportion of 70:30. The tekao flour had an antioxidant activity of 48.1% and a soluble protein content of 444.7 mg.L-1. The water- and oil-holding capacities of tekao flour were 240.4% and 107.2%, respectively. The bulk density, angle of repose, and particle size were 0.427 mg.L-1, 44.9º, and 546 mm, respectively. The water content and water activity were 7.3% and 0.55% w/w, respectively. Based on the flour characteristics, tekao flour made from 70:30 of soybean:cacao bean tempeh has the potential to be functional food considering its antioxidant properties and other characteristics.