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Rumbia fruit contains various bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids, which are recognized for their antioxidant properties. These compounds contribute to the prevention of oxidative damage by scavenging and neutralizing free radicals. To enhance its practicality and ease of application, the fruit pulp extract was incorporated into a cream formulation. This study aimed to develop a topical cream containing rumbia fruit pulp extract and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics. The antioxidant activity of the formulated cream was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The results demonstrated that the extract could be successfully formulated into a stable cream preparation. Furthermore, the formulated cream complied with the quality requirements for topical creams, as evidenced by satisfactory organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH value, spreadability, and adhesiveness. Antioxidant evaluation revealed a color transition from purple to yellow during the DPPH assay, indicating the ability of the extract to scavenge free radicals and exhibit antioxidant activity.

Dengue fever remains a major global health challenge, particularly in tropical regions, due to the high transmission of Dengue virus by Aedes aegypti and the limited sustainability of current control strategies. Artocarpus odoratissimus, an endemic Bornean plant, contains diverse secondary metabolites with potential pharmacological activities; however, a systematic synthesis of its biomedical relevance to Dengue is still lacking. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the biomedical potential of A. odoratissimus in Dengue prevention and control through a systematic literature review. This study employed a systematic literature review method following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, PubMed, Google Scholar, Garuda, SINTA, and other relevant scientific databases for publications from January 2016 to February 2026. A total of 303 records were identified, and after duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text eligibility assessment, 23 studies were included for narrative synthesis. The findings revealed that A. odoratissimus contains major bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, arylbenzofurans, stilbenoids, and prenylated chalcones, which demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and potential antiviral activities based on in vitro and molecular docking studies. Fruit peel, seeds, and stem bark exhibited the strongest biological evidence, particularly in reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory mediators, and potentially interacting with Dengue viral target proteins. Furthermore, several species within the Artocarpus genus showed larvicidal and ovicidal activities against Aedes aegypti, highlighting the potential development of A. odoratissimus as a plant-based biolarvicide candidate.

Cutaneous fungal infections caused by Malassezia furfur remain a significant health concern in tropical regions, highlighting the need for safe and effective alternative therapies. Moringa oleifera L. leaves are reported to contain various secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which exhibit potential antifungal activity. This study aimed to develop a topical suspension formulation of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and to evaluate the effect of varying extract concentrations on the physical characteristics of the preparation. An experimental method was employed using four formulations: F0 as the control, and F1, F2, and F3 containing 9%, 10%, and 11% extract, respectively. Evaluation parameters included organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and adhesiveness, as well as stability testing using a cycling test method for 12 days. The results demonstrated that all formulations exhibited good organoleptic characteristics, homogeneity, and viscosity. The pH values remained within the acceptable range for skin preparations, although slight fluctuations were observed during storage. Adhesiveness also showed variations across several testing cycles. Overall, the formulations met acceptable physical quality criteria and demonstrated potential for further development as topical suspensions; however, formulation optimization is still required to enhance stability during storage.

Dengue fever remains a major global health challenge, particularly in tropical regions, due to the high transmission of Dengue virus by Aedes aegypti and the limited sustainability of current control strategies. Artocarpus odoratissimus, an endemic Bornean plant, contains diverse secondary metabolites with potential pharmacological activities; however, a systematic synthesis of its biomedical relevance to Dengue is still lacking. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the biomedical potential of A. odoratissimus in Dengue prevention and control through a systematic literature review. This study employed a systematic literature review method following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, PubMed, Google Scholar, Garuda, SINTA, and other relevant scientific databases for publications from January 2016 to February 2026. A total of 303 records were identified, and after duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text eligibility assessment, 23 studies were included for narrative synthesis. The findings revealed that A. odoratissimus contains major bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, arylbenzofurans, stilbenoids, and prenylated chalcones, which demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and potential antiviral activities based on in vitro and molecular docking studies. Fruit peel, seeds, and stem bark exhibited the strongest biological evidence, particularly in reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory mediators, and potentially interacting with Dengue viral target proteins. Furthermore, several species within the Artocarpus genus showed larvicidal and ovicidal activities against Aedes aegypti, highlighting the potential development of A. odoratissimus as a plant-based biolarvicide candidate.

Cutaneous fungal infections caused by Malassezia furfur remain a significant health concern in tropical regions, highlighting the need for safe and effective alternative therapies. Moringa oleifera L. leaves are reported to contain various secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which exhibit potential antifungal activity. This study aimed to develop a topical suspension formulation of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and to evaluate the effect of varying extract concentrations on the physical characteristics of the preparation. An experimental method was employed using four formulations: F0 as the control, and F1, F2, and F3 containing 9%, 10%, and 11% extract, respectively. Evaluation parameters included organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and adhesiveness, as well as stability testing using a cycling test method for 12 days. The results demonstrated that all formulations exhibited good organoleptic characteristics, homogeneity, and viscosity. The pH values remained within the acceptable range for skin preparations, although slight fluctuations were observed during storage. Adhesiveness also showed variations across several testing cycles. Overall, the formulations met acceptable physical quality criteria and demonstrated potential for further development as topical suspensions; however, formulation optimization is still required to enhance stability during storage.

Traditional fermented foods made from glutinous rice play a significant role in Indonesia’s local food system, with fermented glutinous rice known as tape ketan being one of the most popular products. Tape ketan is produced through a fermentation process using traditional starter cultures that involve diverse microorganisms, resulting in distinctive sensory characteristics. This review article aims to examine and synthesize previous studies related to the fermentation process of tape ketan and the characterization of metabolites formed during fermentation. The study employed a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis based on a literature review of relevant national and international scientific journals. The findings indicate that tape ketan fermentation involves starch hydrolysis, sugar fermentation, and the formation of primary and secondary metabolites influenced by fermentation time and microbial composition. Primary metabolites such as simple sugars, organic acids, and alcohol contribute to the basic sensory attributes of the product, while secondary metabolites including phenolic compounds and bioactive components enhance its functional potential. The characterization of these metabolites demonstrates that tape ketan is not only a traditional fermented food but also has promising potential for development as a value-added functional food based on local wisdom.

Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) are known to contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and polyphenols, which have antibacterial potential. This study aimed to formulate soursop leaf extract into a gel dosage form and to evaluate its antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This research was conducted as an experimental laboratory study. Soursop leaf extract was obtained using the maceration method with 96% ethanol as the solvent and then formulated into gel preparations with extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Physical evaluation of the gel preparations included organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and viscosity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the well diffusion method on Nutrient Agar medium. The results showed that all gel formulations met the physical requirements for topical preparations. The antibacterial activity test demonstrated that the soursop leaf extract gel inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the 15% concentration producing the largest inhibition zone of 10 mm compared to other concentrations. In conclusion, soursop leaf extract gel has potential to be developed as a topical antibacterial agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Inflammation is a biological response that occurs as a defense mechanism of the body against tissue damage, infection, or exposure to harmful stimuli. Excessive or prolonged inflammation can lead to various chronic diseases and negatively affect overall health. Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants have gained attention as alternative anti-inflammatory agents due to their relatively lower side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Jatropha curcas is a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine and is known to contain various bioactive compounds. This study aims to examine the effect of Jatropha curcas leaf extract on inflammatory responses. The research method used was an experimental laboratory approach with extract preparation through maceration techniques. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated based on changes in inflammatory indicators observed during the treatment process. The results showed that Jatropha curcas leaf extract demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory activity, which was indicated by a reduction in inflammatory signs. The presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins is suspected to contribute to this effect. These findings suggest that Jatropha curcas leaf extract has promising potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Further research is recommended to explore dosage optimization and toxicity levels for safe therapeutic use.  

Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) is an indigenous medicinal plant of Indonesia that has been widely used in traditional medicine and shows considerable potential in the health and pharmaceutical fields. This potential is related to its diverse secondary metabolites with bioactive properties. This review article aims to examine the phytochemical profile of temulawak, the analytical methods used to identify bioactive compounds, and their reported biological activities based on literature studies. The method applied was a literature review of scientific articles discussing the chemical composition and biological activities of temulawak. The results indicate that temulawak contains major compounds such as curcuminoids, xanthorrhizol, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, which are commonly identified using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Several studies report that temulawak exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and potential anticancer activities. These findings indicate that temulawak has significant potential as a source of natural bioactive compounds. In conclusion, temulawak possesses a rich phytochemical profile and promising biological activities, supporting its potential application in the development of natural-based health and pharmaceutical products.

Acne (Acne vulgaris) is one of the most common skin problems, affecting 80–85% of adolescents aged 15–18 years, with some cases persisting into adulthood. One of the associated bacteria is Staphylococcus epidermidis, a normal skin flora that can become an opportunistic pathogen. Bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum) are known to contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and essential oils with antibacterial activity. This study aimed to formulate ethanol extract of bay leaves into ointments with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%, test their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis using the disc diffusion method, and evaluate their physical quality (organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, and spreadability). Results showed that the ethanol extract of bay leaves contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The ointments met topical quality standards with pH 5.8–6.9, adhesion time 36–41 seconds, and spreadability 6.9–8.1 cm. Antibacterial activity increased with higher concentrations: 7.8 mm (10%), 12 mm (20%), and 15 mm (30%), although still lower than the positive control (clindamycin, 34 mm). In conclusion, ethanol extract of bay leaves has potential as an active ingredient in topical anti-acne ointments, but further studies with higher concentrations, in vivo testing, and optimized formulations are needed to achieve efficacy comparable to synthetic antibiotics.  

The puring plant (Codiaeum variegatum), which has been known as an ornamental plant, apparently has significant therapeutic potential, supported by the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Various modern studies report the biological activity of croton leaves, including anti-cholesterol, anti-hyperglycemia, antibacterial effects, and their use in biosurfactant formulations. However, studies on how varying extract concentrations influence bioactivity parameters quantitatively are still limited, especially in the context of dose-response relationships involving many biological parameters in one series of research. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate eight bioactivity parameters, namely PSM, SSSP, DSSP, SL, RO, SM, PSL, and ANA at croton leaf extract concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 4%. This research uses a laboratory experimental approach by extracting croton leaves through a maceration method using ethanol, then formulated in three concentration levels. Each parameter was analyzed quantitatively to observe the pattern of changes in biological response to variations in the dose administered. The results showed that most of the PSM, SSSP, DSSP, SL, and PSL parameters showed an optimum response at a concentration of 2%, which indicates that there is a most effective dose point before a decrease in activity occurs at the highest concentration. In contrast, several parameters such as RO, SM, and ANA showed a more fluctuating response, even the ANA parameter gave the highest value at a concentration of 4%, indicating that certain activities require higher compound levels to be achieved. In general, the response pattern found was not linear, but instead formed an optimum curve typical of the bioactivity of plant extracts. These findings confirm that determining dosage is very important in the use of croton leaf extract, both for pharmacological purposes and for the formulation of natural ingredient-based products.

Pacing tawar is one of many plants used in alternative medicine. Pacing tawar is often used as an ingredient in herbal remedies for various ailments. Pacing leaves are effective as a remedy for itching, insect bites, and hair growth. This study aims to identify the presence and class of secondary metabolites in the ethanol extract of pacing tawar leaves to find bioactive compounds that have the potential to have pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Extraction was carried out by the maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent until a thick extract was obtained. Next, phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids. The test results showed that the extract of pacing tawar leaves was positive for alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and steroids, and negative for flavonoids. The alkaloid test showed a dark pink color change, the saponin test produced a 2 cm high foam for 30 seconds, the tannin test produced a dark green color, and the steroid test showed a faint red ring. Based on these results, it can be concluded that freshwater pacing leaves contain various bioactive compounds that have the potential to be developed as natural medicinal ingredients.

Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used by the Dayak people to overcome various diseases, including indigestion such as diarrhea and dysentery. This plant is known to contain secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and phenolics, which have the potential to have antibacterial activity. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of pulp extract of patchy bajakah with n-hexane solvent against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The extract was obtained through the maceration method and tested using the well diffusion method at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The results showed a relatively low yield of the extract (0.10–0.14%) with a reddish-orange color. The inhibition zones formed ranged from 4.28–5.55 mm with significant differences between concentrations (p = 0.000), but the antibacterial activity was relatively low. These findings indicate that the active compounds of the patch stalk are likely to be more polar or semi-polar, so they are less optimally extracted using the nonpolar solvent n-hexane. Therefore, further research with different solvent variations, particularly those that are polar, is urgently needed to uncover the greater antibacterial potential of these plants.

Citrus hystrix DC., commonly known as kaffir lime, is a citrus plant widely distributed in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, India, and China. Its leaves are traditionally used as food flavoring and herbal medicine due to their distinctive aroma and therapeutic potential. This study was conducted to identify the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in kaffir lime leaves through qualitative phytochemical screening. Fresh leaves were extracted and tested using standard phytochemical methods with specific reagents to detect alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. The screening process was carried out through colorimetric reactions that indicate the presence of specific metabolite groups. The results showed that kaffir lime leaves positively contain several classes of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids (brownish-black precipitate with Bouchardat reagent), flavonoids (red color with Mg and concentrated HCl), saponins (stable foam formation after shaking with HCl), steroids (green color with acetic anhydride), terpenoids (reddish-purple color with concentrated H2SO4), and tannins (greenish-black color with FeCl3). The findings confirm that kaffir lime leaves are rich in bioactive compounds that may contribute to pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. These results support the traditional use of kaffir lime leaves as natural medicine and highlight their potential as a source of natural bioactive compounds for further pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development. This study provides preliminary scientific evidence and encourages more detailed quantitative and isolation studies on the active components of Citrus hystrix.

Leaves of Etlingera walang (Blume) RMSm have been empirically used in traditional medicine to relieve stomach disorders and are known to contain secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial properties. Salmonella typhi infection can cause typhoid fever with symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, while Candida tropicalis is a fungus that can infect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to digestive disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the ethanolic extract of E. walang leaves against S. typhi and C. tropicalis. The antimicrobial assay was carried out using the disk diffusion method at extract concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%, with chloramphenicol and ketoconazole as positive controls, and DMSO as the negative control. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. However, the results showed that the extract did not produce inhibition zones against either test microorganism. Extract evaluation indicated a moisture content of 12.23%, total ash 13.39% (above the standard), acid-insoluble ash 1.25%, total plate count 1.8 × 10 ⁴ , and mold and yeast count 1.0 × 10 ³. The findings suggest that although the ethanolic extract of E. walang leaves contains secondary metabolites and is traditionally used for stomach ailments, it does not exhibit antimicrobial activity against S. typhi or C. tropicalis.

Various recent studies have shown that natural active compounds contained in traditional and fermented plants play a crucial role in supporting human health. These compounds include flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, organic acids, probiotics, and other phenolic compounds. Detection of these compounds is usually carried out through specific chemical reactions that allow researchers to more precisely identify the bioactive components. Their biological activities are diverse, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which work to protect the body from cell damage and infection. Natural compounds are considered promising agents for disease prevention and health promotion due to their broad biological activities. The fermentation process has been shown to increase the content of bioactive compounds while lowering the pH of the medium, creating conditions unfavorable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, probiotics that develop during fermentation play a role in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota, strengthening the immune system, and improving digestive health. Fermented products are widely recognized as functional foods because they contain beneficial probiotics and enhanced bioactive compounds. These naturally derived products, rich in secondary metabolites, have also been shown to have significant physiological effects, such as lowering cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar, and maintaining stable blood pressure. This makes natural ingredients and fermented products not only sources of nutrition but also have great potential for development as functional foods and traditional herbal medicines. This highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches in developing functional foods and herbal medicines. Therefore, research on natural bioactive compounds and the role of fermentation in enhancing their effectiveness is highly relevant to supporting sustainable public health.  

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a type of ornamental plant characterized by flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Besides being an ornamental plant, butterfly pea is also commonly used in traditional medicine. Several previous studies have confirmed its health benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct phytochemical screening for flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids using the Wilstater method, foam test, Dragendorff’s reagent, and Wagner's test. This study demonstrates the presence of flavonoid, saponin, and alkaloid compounds in butterfly pea flowers, indicated by positive results in various tests conducted.

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.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been known to cause various adverse effects on the skin, including erythema (commonly referred to as sunburn), premature aging, and, with prolonged exposure, the risk of developing skin cancer. To counteract these harmful effects, sunscreen products are commonly used to protect the skin from UV radiation. The development of natural-based sunscreens is gaining attention due to their potential safety and antioxidant benefits. One promising natural ingredient is thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), a medicinal herb that contains several secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. These compounds possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, making them suitable candidates as active ingredients in sunscreen formulations. This study aims to determine the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of thyme herb extract using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. A qualitative approach was used to assess the photoprotective potential of the extract. The SPF values were measured at three different concentrations of the extract: 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%. The absorbance of each concentration was recorded at wavelengths ranging from 290 nm to 400 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The SPF values were then calculated based on the absorbance data processed using Microsoft Excel. The results revealed that the thyme herb extract exhibited high SPF values at all tested concentrations. Specifically, the SPF values obtained were 36.027 for 0.5%, 36.244 for 0.75%, and 36.516 for 1.0% concentration. All three concentrations fall under the "ultra protection" category, indicating strong UV protective potential. These findings suggest that thyme herb extract can be effectively utilized as a natural active ingredient in the formulation of sunscreen products. Further studies are recommended to explore its stability, safety, and efficacy in topical applications.

Opportunistic fungal infections caused by Candida albicans pose increasing global health challenges, especially in immunocompromised patients. Resistance to conventional antifungal agents such as azoles and echinocandins has driven the search for alternative natural sources of antifungal compounds. This study reviews the isolation and identification of endophytic bacteria from Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizomes and their potential to produce antifungal metabolites against C. albicans. Literature from the past ten years was analyzed, focusing on bacterial endophytes isolated from temulawak, their identification methods, and antifungal activities. Dominant endophytes such as Bacillus subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, and Pseudomonas fluorescens demonstrated significant inhibition of C. albicans growth, with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 25 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 62.5 and 250 µg/mL. Antifungal activity is attributed to bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly lipopeptides produced by Bacillus species. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA sequencing confirms bacterial taxonomy, supporting further biotechnological exploration. This review highlights the promising potential of temulawak endophytic bacteria as a natural source for new antifungal agents to address drug resistance issues.