Yufri Aldi

Background and purpose: Hyperlipidemia remains a major cardiovascular risk factor requiring novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional statin therapy. This study investigated the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties of Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem. (Moraceae) phytochemicals through integrated in vitro, in vivo , and in silico approaches. Experimental approach: Eight chromatographic subfractions were screened for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitory activity. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and histopathology were evaluated in rats fed a high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. Chemical composition was characterized using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and subsequently investigated through molecular docking simulations. Findings/Results: Subfraction 4 demonstrated the strongest HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity. In vivo evaluation in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats revealed dose-dependent improvements in all lipid parameters, with effects statistically comparable to simvastatin. Subfraction 4 additionally reduced serum malondialdehyde to levels statistically indistinguishable from normal controls, indicating restoration of oxidative homeostasis. Histological preservation of aortic endothelial integrity and elastic fiber organization was associated with reduced intima-media thickness, suggesting attenuation of early atherosclerotic changes. LC-HRMS analysis tentatively identified four major constituents, including phlorin, clausarinol, ginsenoyne C, and piptolinic acid A. Molecular docking analysis suggested that clausarinol and ginsenoyne C exhibited comparatively higher predicted binding affinity than simvastatin toward PCSK9 and PPAR-α, respectively. Conclusion and implications: These findings support the potential of F. elastica phytochemicals as candidates for hyperlipidemia management.

Introduction: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a plant with medicinal properties. The Indonesian community widely uses it to boost the immune system. Aim: The study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract on NK cell activity, total leukocyte cell count, and percentage of leukocyte cells in male white mice exposed to COVID-19 virus antigen. Material and Method: 25 white male mice (Mus musculus) were used in this study. In the control group, mice were given 0.5% Na-CMC for 7 days. In the treatment group, on the first and seventh days, mice were given the COVID-19 vaccine intramuscularly. Each group was given different treatments (0.5% Na-CMC, 10 mg/kg BW, 30 mg/kg BW, and 100 mg/kg BW Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanol extract) orally for 7 days. NK cell activity, total leukocyte cell count, and leukocyte cell percentage were analysed on the eighth day. The data was analysed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's New Multiple-Range Tests (DMRT). Result: The highest NK cell activity and the total amount of leukocytes were found in those given the vaccine and Moringa oleifera Lam. extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. In addition, the lowest activity was in the group that was only given 0.5% Na-CMC. The One-way ANOVA Test and DMRT result showed significant differences (p<0.05) in NK cell activity, total number of leukocytes, and percentage of leukocytes in white male mice. Total leukocyte count increased in all groups compared to the Na-CMC 0.5. On the other hand, in the percentage of total leukocyte type, there was an increase in segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, and lymphocytes. However, no increase in monocytes and eosinophils was noted in any group. Conclusion: The administration of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanol extract can increase NK cell activity, total leukocyte count, and certain leukocyte types in white male mice exposed to COVID-19 antigens.

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. While conventional treatments exist, there is a growing interest in natural remedies with fewer side effects. Ficus elastica has promising medicinal properties, yet its potential as an anti-hyperlipidemic agent remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of F. elastica using an integrated approach of LC-HRMS-based chemical bioinformatics and in vitro/in vivo experimental validation. The anti-hyperlipidemic potential of F. elastica and its mechanism of action were screened using integrative computational network pharmacology followed by in vitro HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and in vivo lipid-lowering activity in a hyperlipidemia rat model. Network pharmacology analysis identified STAT3, HSP90AA1, and TLR4 as potential core targets involved in lipid and atherosclerosis-related KEGG pathways. Molecular docking simulations revealed high-affinity interactions between F. elastica compounds and the identified targets, notably compound 41 and compound 61. In vitro assay demonstrated that ethanolic extract of F. elastica inhibited HMG-CoA reductase with an IC50 of 297.73 µg/mL. In vivo experiment using a hyperlipidemic rat model showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and increased HDL levels. The reduction of triglycerides and elevation of HDL level after F. elastica ethanolic extract supplementation is similar to the effect from supplementation of simvastatin. These findings suggest that F. elastica ethanolic extract possesses notable anti-hyperlipidemic properties, likely mediated through multiple molecular targets and pathways. The study highlights the potential of F. elastica ethanolic extract as a promising candidate for anti-hyperlipidemic therapy and underscores the efficacy of integrating computational and experimental approaches in natural product research.

The goal of this study is to determine the effect of a fraction of Elephantopus scaber Linn leaf extract on NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and perforin in male white mice using one dose of Elephantopus scaber Linn fraction at 30 mg/kg BW. In this study, 25 experimental animals were divided into 5 groups there are negative control, positive control, and 3 fractions of Elephantopus scaber Linn leaf, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Mice were treated with Elephantopus scaber Linn leaf fraction for 7 days after being previously stimulated by the SARS-Cov-2 virus antigen (inavac®). The animals were then analyzed on day 8. Duncan analysis was performed after One-Way ANOVA was used to evaluate the data. The test results showed that the concentration of NK cells increased slightly although it did not significantly increase (**p < 0.01; *p < 0.05) and the concentration of CD8+ T cells and perforin significantly decreased (**p < 0.01; *p < 0.05). It is concluded that a fraction of Elephantopus scaber Linn leaf shows immunomodulatory activity.

Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a traditional medicinal plant widely recognized in Indonesia and frequently utilised by the local community. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in boosting the immune system. In light of this, enhancing community awareness regarding the health benefits of Moringa leaves is essential. The objective of this initiative was to educate the community on how to process Moringa leaves accurately and appropriately, including proper dosage frequency based on the severity of illness and duration of use. This activity took place in Batu Gadang Village, Lubuk Kilangan District, specifically on Jl. Sako. Participants included 30 PKK Cadres and Bundo Kandung from the same area. The methodology involved educational lectures followed by hands-on training. The training focused on proper harvesting techniques and the preparation of Moringa leaf powder in accordance with traditional medicinal practices. A question-and-answer session was conducted to ensure participants fully grasped the material. The results indicated a high level of engagement, evidenced by active participation in both the Q&A and practical sessions. It can be concluded that the community now has a better understanding of the medicinal uses of Moringa leaves. Participants are encouraged to continue preparing Moringa leaf infusions to promote improved immunity.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the activity of administering Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract in capsule dosage on SGPT and SGOT levels in humans. Methods: The participants involved 20 healthy volunteers aged 20-25 years who were divided into 2 groups with placebo as a comparison. The treatment groups were given capsules containing Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract at a dose of 67 mg. The other group administered a placebo containing lactose for 3 days. SGPT and SGOT levels were measured before and after consuming the test capsules. The examination of SGPT and SGOT levels was carried out using a 5010 v5+ photometer. Results: SGPT levels before the capsules were 28.79 U/L for the placebo and 28.59 U/L for the test preparation group. After administration of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract capsules were 24.26 U/L and for placebo 32.86 U/L. At the same time, the measurement results of SGOT levels before being given the capsule were 17.37 U/L for the placebo and 17.71 U/L for the test preparation group. After administration of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract capsules, it was 14.56 U/L and 18.52 U/L for placebo. The study results show that Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract significantly decreases SGPT and SGOT levels in humans (p<0.5). Conclusion: This result indicates that Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam extract is relatively non-toxic and safe for public use as an immunostimulant herbal medicine.

Sungkai leaves have been used to boost the body's immune system. This study evaluated the effect of different doses (1, 10 and 100 mg/kg BW) of stigmasterol isolated from Peronema canescens (Sungkai leaves) on Natural Killer cells in male albino mice exposed to Sars-Cov-2 virus antigen. Thirty adult male albino mice used in this experiment were divided into six groups of 5 mice, labelled I-VI. Group I was the uninfected control group, group II (infected and untreated). Groups III-V were exposed to 1.3 x 103 mL of SARS-CoV-2 virus Antigen and then treated with 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg bw of stigmasterol. Group VI animals received 6.5 mg/kg bw of Stimuno immunomodulator. After the treatment, the concentration of the Natural Killer (NK) cells in the experimental animals was measured. The different doses of the stigmasterol gave different concentrations of NK cells. At 1 mg/kg BW the mean value was 5.31 ng/mL; at 10 mg/kg BW, it was 6.45 ng/mL; and at 100 mg/kg bw, the value was 6.44 ng/mL at p<0.05. The results showed a dose-dependent increase in NK cell concentration in the treatment groups. The highest NK cell concentration (6.46 ng/dL) was obtained in the group treated with 10 mg/kg BW stigmasterol. The study concluded that stigmasterol isolated from the leaves of Peronema canescens boosted the NK cell concentration in SARS-CoV-2 antigen-challenged albino mice.

Objective: Covid 19 is a disease that infects cells in the airway lining the alveoli. This disease is caused by a virus named SarsCoV2. One way to handle it is to increase immunity. The body itself consists of immune system organs. One component of the immune system that is very important in protecting the body against the SARS-Cov-2 virus attack is Cluster of Differentiation 8+ T (CD8+T). CD8+T is one of the components of the adaptive immune system or often known as the specific immune system and is cytotoxic, so it is called Cluster of Differentiation8 +T. One of the plants used by the community to increase endurance is Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack.). This study aims to see its activity against Cluster of Differentiation 8+ T (CD8+T). Methods: Sungkai leaf powder was extracted using 70% ethanol solvent and evaporated using a rotary evaporator to obtain ethanol extract and fractionated with n-hexanes and isolated to obtain active isolates of sungkai leaves against the immune system. Isolates obtained from the isolation of the active fraction of n hexanes that have been tested as immunostimulants in previous studies. This study used test animals, namely male white mice of the wistar strain as many as 30 mice consisting of 5 heads for each group. Group I is a control group that is not given treatment and groups II, III, IV, V and VI are given exposure to the Sars CoV2 virus antigen that causes Covid 19 disease, namely using one of the Covid19 vaccines, namely the 0.0013 mL Moderna vaccine which is given Intra Muscular. Groups II, III, IV, V are treatment groups induced with Sars CoV2 antigen and given a test preparation, namely sungkai leaf isolate with 3 dose variations, namely 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg bw given orally, and group VI was given stimuno 50 mg/kgbw as a comparison. Results: From the results of immunostimulant testing of sungkai leaf isolate, it was found that stigmasterol has an immunostimulant effect in increasing Cluster of Differentiation 8 + T (CD8 + T) in the body given SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen. Significant results were seen in the 100 mg/kg bw dose group which increased CD8+T by 53.93 ng/dl. Based on statistical tests conducted in the form of ANOVA tests, CD8+T also showed significant differences with a significance value of <0.05. Conclusion: Stigmasterol isolate of sungkai leaf has the effect of increasing Cluster of Differentiation 8+ T (CD8+T) levels in the body given exposure to SARS-CoV 2 virus antigens.