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Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to control blood glucose levels and improve digestive health. These benefits are closely associated with its bioactive metabolite content. This article aims to characterize the bioactive metabolites of bitter melon and to review their potential bioactivity in glycemic control and digestive function. The method employed includes a literature-based characterization of metabolites, identification of major classes of active compounds, and evaluation of analytical techniques commonly applied in natural product research, such as phytochemical screening, chromatography, and spectroscopic analysis. The results indicate that bitter melon contains various bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, which contribute to blood glucose reduction by enhancing insulin sensitivity and inhibiting glucose absorption. Furthermore, these compounds support digestive health by improving digestive enzyme activity, exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects, and maintaining gut microbial balance. In conclusion, bitter melon represents a promising source of natural bioactive compounds with significant potential for application in health and pharmaceutical development.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a bioactive plant containing polysaccharides, anthraquinones, sterols, vitamins, minerals, and glycoproteins, contributing to wound healing through anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant mechanisms, fibroblast stimulation, and accelerated re-epithelialization. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) of 37 peer-reviewed articles (2018–2025) to evaluate the biochemical potential of Aloe vera and its application as a basis for modern pharmaceutical topical formulations. Results revealed that acemannan increased fibroblast proliferation by up to 200, modulated TGF-1, enhanced type I and III collagen deposition, and accelerated re-epithelialization. Anthraquinones such as aloin and emodin exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Nanoemulsion and nanogel formulations improved transdermal penetration up to threefold compared to conventional gels. These findings highlight Aloe vera’s potential as a wound healing agent and a basis for modern pharmaceutical topical preparations.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple food that is widely consumed by the Indonesian population, especially in rural areas. However, during post-harvest handling and storage, cassava is highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms, particularly fungi. These fungi can cause damage to the food, reduce its nutritional quality, and even produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human health. The increased risk of contamination has become an important concern in efforts to improve the quality and safety of cassava food products. This study aimed to identify the morphology of fungal colonies and the characteristics of fungal cell walls isolated from cassava stored in open environmental conditions for several days. The methods used in this study included isolation using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media, macroscopic observation of fungal colony morphology, including color, edge, elevation, and texture, as well as Gram staining to observe the fungal cell wall properties. The results of this study revealed a diversity of fungal colony morphology, with three dominant types suspected to belong to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. Gram staining showed that the three isolates were characterized as Gram-negative, indicated by the absorption of safranin as the secondary stain. This study provides an initial overview of the types of fungi that may develop on cassava during storage, and it offers a foundation for further studies on the toxicity and food microbiology applications related to cassava. Morphological identification and Gram staining play an essential role in the initial screening before molecular identification is performed.

This study aims to explore the potential of cassava extract (Manihot esculenta)-based growth media for isolating microorganisms from soil. The use of alternative culture media is crucial, especially in regions with limited access to commercial media such as Nutrient Agar or Potato Dextrose Agar, which are relatively expensive. Cassava, a tropical tuber rich in starch and widely available in Indonesia, offers significant promise as a natural substrate for microbial growth. Microbial isolation was performed using a serial dilution method on soil samples collected from an organic garden. The media was prepared from cassava juice mixed with agar and glucose, sterilized, and poured into petri dishes. After inoculation, microbes were incubated for seven days at room temperature. Colony morphology was observed macroscopically, and Gram staining was used to identify bacterial characteristics. The results revealed that cassava extract media effectively supported the growth of diverse microbial colonies, varying in shape, color, and edge structure. Most isolates were identified as Gram-positive, with rod and coccus forms. The presence of pigmented colonies indicates the potential of certain isolates to produce bioactive compounds. In conclusion, cassava extract-based media is a viable alternative for soil microbiology studies. It is not only cost-effective but also facilitates the exploration of local microbial diversity with potential applications in biotechnology, including bioremediation and enzyme production. This approach encourages the use of indigenous resources in scientific research, promoting sustainability and accessibility in microbiological practices.

Solid waste from the tapioca processing industry, which is based on cassava (Manihot esculenta), is a medium rich in organic matter, particularly starch, that supports the growth of various types of microorganisms, especially fungi and bacteria. This study aims to isolate and observe the morphology of microorganisms from solid waste of cassava from the tapioca industry using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium in a series of pharmaceutical microbiology practicum. Waste samples were taken from the tapioca processing site, then underwent a serial dilution process and inoculation into PDA medium, which was incubated at 28–30°C for 5 days. The isolation results showed the growth of microorganisms with diverse colony morphologies, which are suspected to originate from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus, based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The presence of these microorganisms indicates the potential utilization of cassava waste as a source of microbial isolates for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications, such as enzyme production and development of bioactive compounds. This practicum activity also contributes to increasing students' understanding of isolation techniques, microorganism characterization, and their role in biological-based waste management.

The pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.) is a type of predatory plant typically found in tropical regions and has a pitcher structure designed to attack insects. The pitcher's structure acts as a small ecosystem that supports a variety of microorganisms, both those living on the surface (epiphytes) and those within the tissue (endophytes). This study aimed to extract and identify microorganisms present on the surface and interior of the pitcher plant. Samples were taken from peat swamps and separated using Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacteria and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for fungi. The discovery process involved examining morphological characteristics both visually and under a microscope. The results revealed differences in the types of microorganisms between the outside and inside of the pitcher, influenced by the microenvironmental conditions in each area. These findings can serve as a foundation for further study of the bioactive potential of microorganisms from the pitcher plant.

Bekasam is a traditional Indonesian fermented product made from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through a spontaneous fermentation process with the addition of rice and salt. This fermentation process encourages the growth of various microorganisms, especially bacteria, which play a role in the formation of flavor, aroma, and natural preservation of the product. This study aims to observe the microbiological characteristics of bekasam tilapia through colony observation on agar media and microscopic staining using crystal violet and safranin. Macroscopic observations showed the presence of microbial colonies that were round, cloudy white, with a smooth surface and even edges. These colony characteristics indicate good microbial growth on agar media. Microscopically, the bacteria observed in bekasam samples had an irregular distribution, forming aggregates that absorbed intense purple and pink colors. Crystal violet staining gave a purple color to gram-positive bacteria, while safranin gave a pink color to gram-negative bacteria. These findings indicate that bekasam contains an active microbial community that plays a role in the fermentation process. This microbial community can be observed visually through simple staining that provides an overview of the types of bacteria involved in the fermentation process. Microbiological analysis such as this is crucial for understanding the fermentation dynamics of traditional food products like bekasam. Thus, this study provides deeper insight into the microorganisms involved in bekasam production, as well as the importance of monitoring microbiological quality in the manufacturing process of traditional fermented products. Furthermore, the diversity of microbes involved in bekasam fermentation can affect product quality and consistency. Therefore, monitoring the dominant bacterial species during the fermentation process is crucial for maintaining bekasam quality, including its taste, texture, and safety for consumers.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and widely consumed by people in various regions, especially in tropical regions such as Indonesia. Besides being easy to cultivate, cassava also has a high economic value. However, cassava has a major weakness, namely its perishability after harvest. This damage is often caused by contamination by microorganisms, especially fungi, which can grow rapidly in unhygienic and humid storage conditions. Fungal contamination not only causes odor and reduces sound quality but also has the potential to produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human health. Therefore, identifying the type of fungus growing on cassava is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and type of fungus growing on cassava through a colony morphology approach and Gram staining using crystal violet. The research method began with dilution of cassava samples, then inoculated into Nutrient Agar (NA) media, incubated for 48 hours at room temperature, and continued with microscopic examination. Staining with crystal violet aims to clarify the morphological structure of the fungus such as hyphae and spores. Observations revealed the growth of characteristic fungal colonies, as well as hyphal and spore structures that readily absorbed crystal violet. This demonstrates that this simple morphological and staining method is quite effective in providing initial insights into fungal identification. This information is expected to form the basis for developing safer and more durable cassava storage methods. Further research is recommended on specific identification using molecular testing. This step will broaden our understanding of the toxicological potential and post-harvest handling of cassava.

Cassava tape is a traditional fermented product widely consumed in Indonesia, especially in rural areas. It is produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta) through the activity of microorganisms during the fermentation process. The presence of microbes in this process plays a crucial role in the flavor, aroma, texture, and final quality of the product. The microorganisms involved, including bacteria, molds, and yeasts, work synergistically to break down the carbohydrate components of cassava into simpler products, resulting in the sweet taste and distinctive aroma of tape. This study aimed to identify and characterize the microbes present in cassava tape through isolation and microscopic staining using safranin. The isolation process involved several stages: sequential sample dilution, inoculation onto Nutrient Agar (NA) media using the pour method, and incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. The growing microbial colonies were observed macroscopically, then collected and subjected to simple safranin staining to determine the shape and distribution pattern of the microbial cells microscopically. Observations revealed colonies with diverse morphologies, including rod-shaped (bacilli) and spherical (cocci), evenly distributed across the observation area. This indicates that cassava tape contains microorganisms of various morphologies that play a role in the fermentation process. Simple safranin staining has been shown to provide an initial overview of the presence and form of microbes, although further identification to the genus or species level requires further tests such as Gram staining, biochemical tests, and molecular analysis. These findings open up opportunities for further in-depth research into consumption safety, the functional role of microbes in tape fermentation, and its potential use as a source of natural probiotics in traditional fermented foods.  

Batang Bungo River faces severe pollution from domestic waste and illegal gold mining, which has led to an increase in skin diseases and diarrhea among residents of Tanjung Gedang, exacerbated by poor physical-chemical water quality, including low pH and high levels of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), all of which foster the growth of pathogenic microorganisme. This study aimed to identify bacteria and fungi present in Batang Bungo River water, characterizing their colony morphology and microscopic structures to understand the impact of pollution on microbial communities. The methodology involved serial dilution of water samples, followed by inoculation onto Nutrient Agar (NA) media using the pour plate technique, and incubation at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Macroscopic observations of colonies (color, shape, texture) were performed, and representative colonies were stained with crystal violet for microscopic observation at 1000x magnification to identify cellular and hyphal structures. The results indicated the presence of various microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi, and possibly protozoa, with colonies exhibiting characteristics such as off-white color, rough surfaces, and irregular edges. Microscopic examination after crystal violet staining revealed rod-shaped (bacilli), spherical (cocci) structures, and branched filamentous structures resembling hyphae, consistent with a mixture of bacteria and filamentous fungi. The identification of pathogens like Clostridium, Dermatophilus, and Escherichia coli in previous studies, coupled with the poor water quality, confirms significant microbiological and chemical contamination. Crystal violet proved effective as a stain for microscopic identification of microorganism structures. In conclusion, the water quality of Batang Bungo River is highly concerning and requires serious attention for monitoring and management to safeguard public health and the river ecosystem.  

Bekasam is a traditional fermented fish product commonly produced in South Sumatra and South Kalimantan, known for its distinctive sour taste resulting from the metabolic activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB play a crucial role in the fermentation process, contributing to the product’s flavor, texture, and safety. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize LAB from bekasam made using tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Isolation of bacterial strains was performed using the pour plate method on Nutrient Agar (NA) medium at various serial dilutions to obtain discrete colonies. The colonies were observed macroscopically to assess their morphological characteristics, including shape, size, color, surface texture, and edge profile. Further identification involved Gram staining to determine cell wall type and microscopic morphology. The results revealed that the bacterial colonies were generally small, round, white to cream in color, with smooth surfaces and flat edges. Gram staining demonstrated that the dominant isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, exhibiting rod-shaped or oval morphology. These characteristics are consistent with members of the genus Lactobacillus sp., a common LAB group in fermented fish products. Additional phenotypic traits observed included catalase-negative reactions, absence of spore formation, and the ability to produce lactic acid as the main metabolic end product. The combination of morphological, staining, and basic biochemical characteristics supports the initial identification of the isolates as LAB. The presence of Lactobacillus sp. in bekasam suggests their significant contribution to the fermentation process, influencing the product’s sourness, safety, and preservation. The findings of this study provide a basis for further molecular characterization and potential selection of LAB strains as starter cultures to improve the quality, consistency, and safety of bekasam in traditional and industrial production.

Bekasam is a traditional fermented food made from snakehead fish (Channa striata) through spontaneous fermentation with the addition of salt and rice over several days. This fermentation process promotes the growth of indigenous microorganisms, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which play a crucial role in developing distinctive flavors and potentially providing health benefits. LAB are well-known for their probiotic effects, such as maintaining gut microbiota balance and enhancing immune system function. This study aimed to identify the presence of LAB in bekasam using the Gram staining method. Samples were taken from bekasam that had been fermented for three days. Bacterial isolation was conducted by culturing the samples on appropriate media, followed by Gram staining to observe bacterial morphology and cell wall characteristics under a microscope. Observations revealed a predominance of Gram-positive, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacteria, which are the primary morphological characteristics of LAB. This morphology is consistent with bacterial groups such as Lactobacillus spp., which are commonly found in traditional fermented products. These findings strengthen the assumption that snakehead fish–based bekasam is not only a traditional food source with rich flavors but also has potential as a natural probiotic source. This potential opens opportunities for bekasam to be developed as a functional food that supports digestive health and immune function. Further research is recommended to perform molecular identification to accurately determine bacterial species and to evaluate their probiotic activity in vivo. Thus, bekasam holds not only cultural and culinary value but also added value in the field of health and the functional food industry.

Bekasam, a traditional Indonesian fermented fish product, is produced through a natural fermentation process involving complex microbial communities, particularly fermentative bacteria. These microorganisms play a vital role in developing the product’s characteristic flavor, aroma, and texture. This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics of fermentative bacteria present in bekasam made from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using direct microscopic observation without staining. Fresh samples of bekasam were collected and subjected to serial dilution before being cultured on nutrient agar (NA) medium. The cultures were incubated at room temperature for 24–48 hours to allow colony formation. Morphological examination was carried out by observing the colonies directly under a light microscope to assess cell shape, size, and arrangement. The results demonstrated a diversity of bacterial morphologies, with the majority consisting of rod-shaped (bacillus) and spherical (coccus) forms. Bacillus cells were often observed singly or in short chains, whereas coccus cells appeared either as single units, in pairs (diplococci), or forming short chains (streptococci). The morphological diversity observed suggests that multiple bacterial species may be involved in the fermentation process, each contributing differently to biochemical transformations such as protein degradation, lactic acid production, and flavor compound formation. Although morphological characterization alone cannot provide definitive bacterial identification, these findings serve as preliminary data for subsequent microbiological and molecular analyses. Further research using biochemical tests and molecular approaches, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, is recommended to confirm species identity and to explore their specific roles in fermentation. Understanding the microbial composition of bekasam can provide valuable insights for optimizing fermentation conditions, improving product consistency, and ensuring safety in traditional fish-based fermented foods.

Fermentation of ikan bekasam is a traditional process that involves the activity of microorganisms to produce a product with distinct taste, aroma, and texture. This process includes various microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, that play a crucial role in the transformation of fish properties during fermentation. This study aims to isolate, identify, and characterize the microorganisms involved in the fermentation of ikan bekasam using Gram staining and specific staining techniques. The isolation process was carried out using selective media to grow microorganisms from the bekasam samples, including both the fish and the fermentation liquid. Microorganism identification was performed by observing colony morphology, microscopic characteristics, and biochemical reactions. Gram staining was used to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while specific staining techniques were employed to detect certain cellular structures that aid in the identification of microorganisms. The characterization of microorganisms included an analysis of their physiological and biochemical properties, such as their ability to produce enzymes or secondary metabolites that play a role in fermentation and the development of the characteristic bekasam flavor. The results of the study showed that ikan bekasam contains a variety of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. and Pediococcus spp., which play a primary role in fermentation by providing the characteristic sourness. In addition, yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae were found in the bekasam samples, contributing to the fermentation process. Fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., were also isolated, although their role in the fermentation of ikan bekasam is more limited. This study provides insights into the diversity of microorganisms involved in the fermentation of ikan bekasam and their potential applications in the food industry. These findings open up opportunities to optimize the fermentation process by utilizing these microorganisms to produce more consistent and high-quality bekasam. Future research could further explore the optimal conditions for improving the quality of this fermented product.

Traditional bamboo shoot fermentation is a hereditary practice still preserved by the people of Panti Village, Pasaman Regency. This process not only serves as a natural preservation method but also makes an important contribution to the formation of distinctive flavors and increases the nutritional value of bamboo shoots. One key aspect of this fermentation process is the activity of microorganisms, particularly lactic acid bacteria, which play a role in the production of metabolites such as lactic acid, which functions as a natural preservative, inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes, and contributes to the distinctive flavor and aroma of fermentation. The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify the types of lactic acid bacteria found in traditionally fermented bamboo shoots. Fermented bamboo shoot samples were taken from several local production houses in Panti Village. The microbial isolation process was carried out using selective media MRS (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe) agar, which is commonly used for the growth of lactic acid bacteria. The obtained isolates were then analyzed through colony morphology observation, Gram staining, and microscopic tests to determine initial characteristics. Further identification was carried out through a series of biochemical tests to determine the genus and species of the bacteria. The results of the study showed the presence of several Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterial isolates that are strongly suspected to belong to the lactic acid bacteria group, such as Lactobacillus plantarum. This bacterium is known to have probiotic potential and functional benefits in fermented food products. These findings indicate that traditional fermented bamboo shoots can be a potential source of functional bacterial isolates that are beneficial for the food industry, particularly in the development of probiotic products, natural preservatives, and food additives based on local fermentation. This study emphasizes the importance of preserving local wisdom in food fermentation practices as a foundation for sustainable, culturally aware food technology innovation and supporting food security based on local resources.

Bekasam is a traditional Indonesian fermented food produced through spontaneous fermentation involving microorganisms, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB plays a crucial role in the fermentation process by producing lactic acid, which lowers pH, inhibits pathogenic microbial growth, and enhances flavor and food safety. This study aimed to identify and characterize LAB isolated from fermented snakehead fish (Channa striata) based on Gram staining and colony morphology. The research began with bacterial isolation using NA Nutrient Agar, followed by macroscopic observation of colony characteristics including shape, edge, elevation, color, and size. Subsequently, Gram staining was performed to determine the cell wall structure and microscopic morphology of the bacteria. The results showed that the bacterial isolates from bekasam generally had circular colonies, white to cream in color, smooth surface, and were Gram-positive rod-shaped cells. In conclusion, bekasam from snakehead fish contains dominant lactic acid bacteria with distinctive colony morphology and Gram-positive characteristics, indicating potential as a natural starter culture for food fermentation.

This study aims to identify the microscopic structure of fungi growing in Manihot esculenta (cassava) waste using Gram A (crystal violet) staining. Cassava waste is a type of organic waste that has the potential to serve as a growth medium for various microorganisms, including fungi. Microscopic observations were conducted to determine the morphology of fungal cells that grow naturally in the waste. The Gram staining method was used to facilitate visualization of the fungal cell wall structure, with an emphasis on crystal violet staining as the primary dye. Waste samples were fermented for 3–5 days to allow fungal growth, then taken and microscopic slides were made. The results showed the presence of purplish-purple fungal hyphae and spores, indicating that the fungal cells were able to retain the crystal violet stain. This structure indicates that the type of fungus growing has a thick cell wall and is likely included in the Ascomycota or Zygomycota group. This identification demonstrates the potential use of Manihot esculenta waste as a substrate for microbiological studies and the development of fungal-based biotechnology. This study also emphasizes the importance of simple staining techniques in assisting the initial identification of microorganisms in organic media.

Microorganisms are microscopic organisms that cannot be observed directly without the aid of optical instruments. They play an important role in various biological and environmental processes, both beneficial and detrimental. Most microorganisms are unicellular, but some are multicellular. Some microorganisms are also known to have benefits in the fields of food and health. Bamboo shoots or young bamboo are one type of vegetable that is widely consumed by the community, especially in Central Java. Bamboo shoots have a low nutritional content such as water, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and fat, making them a healthy low-calorie food. In addition, bamboo shoots also contain bioactive compounds such as vitamins, essential amino acids, and antioxidants that are beneficial for body health.Fermentation of bamboo shoots is one method to increase their nutritional value and probiotic content.