Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy and Natural Product

Bioinformatics Study of Arctigenin from Jatropha curcas as a KEAP1-Nrf2 Modulator for Antioxidant Activity

2025-11-16T18:28:58+00:00

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to metabolic disorders, making the Keap1–Nrf2 pathway a key therapeutic target for antioxidant interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Arctigenin, a lignan from Jatropha curcas leaves, as a natural Keap1 antagonist using an in silico bioinformatics approach. Molecular docking with YASARA Structure was used to determine bond affinity and interaction dynamics, followed by 50-ns molecular dynamics simulations to assess the stability of the complex. ADMET and drug-likeness predictions were performed to evaluate pharmacokinetic properties and safety. Arctigenin demonstrated strong binding affinity (-8.73 kcal/mol) and formed six hydrogen bonds with key Kelch residues (Arg415, Ser508, Val604, Leu365, Ala510, Val463), along with stable hydrophobic and π interactions involving Arg415, Ala556, Leu557, and Tyr572. Molecular dynamics confirmed complex stability, indicated by low RMSD values for Cα and backbone (1.6–1.8 Å), minimal residue fluctuations, stable radius of gyration (17.7–18.1 Å), and consistent SASA. ADMET predictions showed excellent intestinal absorption (94.416%), low blood-brain barrier permeability, and favorable safety profile (AMES-negative, non-hepatotoxic). Overall, Arctigenin exhibits strong potential as a natural Keap1 inhibitor for the development of antioxidant, antihypertensive, or antidiabetic drugs.

SNEDDS Formulation of Bay Leaf Oil as a Natural Preservative and FTIR Chemometric Authentication Test

2025-12-15T11:17:36+00:00

This study developed a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for bay leaf essential oil as a natural preservative. The oil was extracted for 6 hours with a yield of 0.55%. Physical characterization showed the oil quality met standards, although the peroxide value was relatively high. Solubility testing indicated that bay leaf oil, PEG 400, and Tween 80 were the best combination. SNEDDS formulation optimization was performed using Design Expert, resulting in 13 formulations. Drug loading testing showed that 15 mg of chitosan and bay leaf extract were the optimal concentrations without precipitation. Formulations 4 and 9 met the SNEDDS criteria: transmittance >99%, droplet size <30 nm, polydispersity index <0.3, zeta potential −20 to −25 mV, emulsification time <36 seconds, and oral pH. FTIR analysis confirmed the dominance of the lipid fraction and the absence of contamination. Chemometric analysis distinguished bay leaf oil from other oils.

Antidiarrheal and The Mechanism Of Action Of Combination P. guajava, C. papaya, A. hybridus, M. oleifera, S. polyanthum

2026-03-06T03:42:32+00:00

Diarrhea is a major global health concern, and current drug treatments face limitations regarding effectiveness and safety, with perceived scores of effectiveness and safety being only 6.3/10 and 6.6/10, respectively. This study aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal potential of a combined ethanolic extract derived from five leaves: Psidium guajava, Carica papaya, Amaranthus hybridus, Moringa oleifera, and Syzygium polyanthum, utilizing castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal transit time models in mice (five groups, n=5 per group: negative control, positive control (Diapet® 3.12 mg/20 g BW), and three dose levels: 1.56, 3.12, and 6.24 mg/20 g BW). The results demonstrated a significant antidiarrheal effect (p<0.05) across all tested doses compared to the negative control for all parameters (frequency, consistency, fecal weight, duration, appearance, and intestinal transit), with the highest dose (Dose III: 6.24 mg/20 g BW) showing the superior activity overall. Furthermore, the decrease observed in the intestinal transit time suggests that the combination extract's mechanism of action is likely achieved through the inhibition of intestinal peristaltic movement.

Determination of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Value and Antioxidant Activity of Potato Peel Extract Gel (Solanum tuberosum L.) Combined with Honey as a Humectant

2026-02-24T02:01:08+00:00

Free radicals come from body metabolism, cigarette smoke, free radical-triggering substances from food, various pollutants, and UV radiation. Gel preparations are an alternative facial treatment to prevent various skin problems. In addition to having antioxidant activity, preparations with benefits such as sunscreen are also needed to protect the skin from UV exposure that causes various skin problems. Potato peel waste (Solanum tuberosum L.) from the kitchen of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor has not been widely utilized, although it contains phenolic compounds as natural antioxidants. This study aims to determine the effect of potato peel extract and honey concentration on physical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and protection as a sunscreen. This research method is an experimental study consisting of five formulas with variations of potato peel extract and honey: F0 (0%:0%); F1 (0%:10%); F2 (2%:15%); F3 (4%:20%); and F4 (6%:25%). Characteristics include organoleptic tests, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, pH, stability, antioxidant activity using the DPPH method, and sunscreen activity using the Mansur method. The results showed that antioxidant activity and SPF increased in direct proportion to the concentration of potato peel extract and honey. F4, with a concentration of 6% potato peel extract and 25% honey, had the highest antioxidant activity and SPF. The best characteristics in F2 based on organoleptic tests, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, adhesiveness, spreadability, and drying time of the preparation. The conclusion is that the gel preparation in F4 is a very strong category antioxidant of 11.60 ppm and an SPF value of 12.2669 in the maximum protection category.

Differences in Antibacterial Activity of Petroleum Ether and Ethanol Extracts of Bangle Rhizome (Zingiber Montanun (J. Koenig)) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Bacteria

2026-02-12T07:51:53+00:00

Disease-causing bacteria are divided into two groups: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. These bacteria have different cell wall characteristics, which affect treatment options. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in antibacterial activity of petroleum ether and 96% ethanol extracts against S. aureus and E. coli. The extraction method used was reflux. Antibacterial activity was measured using the well diffusion method with Mannitol Salt Agar and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media. The results showed that PE extract 5.25% and ethanol 11.09%. The inhibition zone (cm) of antibacterial activity of PE extract on S. aureus bacteria at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% was 1.38±0.155; 1.58±0.138; 1.72±0.129, respectively, while E. coli bacteria were 1.16±0.123; 1.37±0.212; 1.52±0.238. The inhibition zone of ethanol extract on S. aureus bacteria at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% were 0; 1.39±0.136; 1.63±0.150, respectively, while E. coli bacteria were 1.30±0.191; 1.51±0.145; 1.54±0.159. Based on SPSS analysis, non-parametric test showed that the activity of PE and 96% ethanol extracts on S. aureus bacteria was significantly different from E. coli bacteria with a sig. value <0.05 and between PE and ethanol extracts provided significantly different activity against one type of bacteria (sig. <0.05).