2026-03-02
Riri Fauziyya, Winni Nur Auli, Nisa Yulianti Suprahman, Sarmoko Sarmoko, Arif Ashar, Anjar Hermadi Saputro, Kalista Alsadila, Safia Fazila, Miralda Zahra, Qurrota A’yun Azzahrah, Dinda Naila Dhiya Salsabila, Ihza Adzkiya Mubarak Al-Husni, Putri Liswatini, Romualdo Pasaribu
Zerumbone, a monocyclic sesquiterpene compound predominantly found in the rhizomes of lempuyang ( Zingiber aromaticum ), exhibits diverse biological activities including anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective effects. This study presents an optimized method for isolation, characterization, and purity analysis of zerumbone from the ethanolic extract of Z. aromaticum . The isolation process employed column chromatography with a gradient eluent system (n-hexane:ethyl acetate in ratios of 19:1 and 9:1) to separate compounds based on polarity differences. The extract and fractions were monitored using thin layer chromatography (TLC) under UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. Characterization of isolated zerumbone was performed using multiple spectroscopic techniques, including TLC against reference standard, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The purified isolate demonstrated a yield of 11.2%, representing a significant improvement over previously reported methods (0.87–2.26%). TLC analysis with three different solvent systems consistently showed single spots, confirming high purity. UV-Vis analysis revealed maximum absorption at 252 nm, identical to the zerumbone standard. LC-MS/MS analysis identified a molecular ion peak at m/z 219.26 [M+H] + with matching retention time and fragmentation pattern to the reference standard. IR spectroscopy identified functional groups characteristic of zerumbone, such as carbonyl and double-bond stretches. This efficient isolation method, yielding a highly purified compound, demonstrate its potential to support zerumbone’s application in pharmaceutical development.
2026-03-02
Purbandari Ajeng Sarweningtyas, Abdul Karim Zulkarnain, Ritmaleni Ritmaleni
OMC (Octyl Methoxycinnamate) has intense sunscreen activity, but susceptible to photodegradation upon exposure to UV light, leading to the formation of free radicals. The incorporation of antioxidants can mitigate UV-induced degradation and preserve OMC in its trans configuration, thereby maintaining its photoprotective efficacy. Hexagamavunon-5 (HGV-5) contains phenolic hydroxyl groups and conjugated double bonds, which are key to its antioxidant activity. In this study, we develop a sunscreen emulgel formulation combining OMC and HGV-5 to improve activity and stability. The Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) method was applied to optimize emulsion (Tween 80, Span 80, and Paraffin Liquid) using Design Expert (DE). The DE obtained 14 runs and testing the responses to determine the optimum formula. The optimum formula of the emulsion was then made into five(5) emulgel preparation. The emulgel were tested in vitro to determine percent transmission of erythema (%TE), percent transmission of pigmentation (%TP), and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values as presenting of photostability test. The best formula of emulgel determines the in vivo irritation test, physical characterization, and stability test. HGV-5 has an IC 50 value of 8,46 ppm (strong antioxidant activity), indicating potential as a stabilizer agent for UV filters. The DE chosen as the optimum formula of emulsion were Tween 80 3.15% (v/v), Span 80 3.75% (v/v), and Paraffin Liquid 3.1% (v/v). F4 showed good photostability and obtained SPF values in the ultra protection category and %TE and %TP in the sunblock category. Referring to the storage results, the optimum formula was stable for a month. The irritation test of F4 showed that the PII value was 0 in the treatment group compared to the control group. F4 revealed that does not cause irritation, so it can be concluded that F4 is safe.
2026-03-01
Fea Prihapsara, Khadijah Khadijah, Adam Hermawan, Edy Meiyanto
PGV-1 exhibits potential as an anticancer drug for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this study focuses on enhancing its solubility and cytotoxicity against liver cancer cells. To achieve this, complexes were developed by combining Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with lactose, aiming to improve the bioavailability of PGV-1 as an anticancer agent. Subsequently, these complexes were further modified through lactosylation, resulting in PGV-1-loaded lactosylated BSA (PGV-1+BSA+Lac), with the purpose of increasing their cytotoxic effects on HCC cells. The glycation of BSA with d-lactose was conducted under dry-heat conditions at 60°C for various durations (0, 30, 60, 120, or 240 minutes). Monitoring the extent of BSA glycation involved assessing the availability of free peptide and examining the molecular weight profile. A straightforward formulation was proposed, involving the complexation of BSA lactosylated with PGV-1. The solubility of PGV-1 in aqueous solutions was assessed with varying amounts of BSA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through an MTT assay using the HLF liver cancer cell line. The results revealed distinct variations in BSA conjugation depending on the duration of heating. Modified BSA exhibited reduced peptide availability and slower migration in SDS/PAGE. Notably, PGV-1 demonstrated significantly higher solubility when combined with BSA+Lac, as compared to PGV-1+BSA. The IC 50 values for PGV-1+BSA+Lac in HLF cells (0.008±0.002 µM) were markedly lower than those for PGV-1 (0.437±0.002 µM) and PGV-1+BSA (0.631±0.002 µM), highlighting the potent inhibitory effect of PGV-1+BSA+Lac on HLF cell proliferation. These findings suggest that PGV-1+BSA+Lac complexes hold promise as potential candidates for targeted PGV-1 delivery in HCC therapy
2026-03-01
Ageng Aji Milendi, Evi Umayah Ulfa, Mark Niño B. Melgo, Afifah Machlaurin
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and is estimated to cause huge global economic losses. Artificial intelligence (AI) has massively assisted in the diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of the most effective therapy for cancer patients. The utilization of AI is estimated to reduce healthcare expenditures. This study aimed to systematically review the implementation of AI and its cost-effectiveness in cancer treatment. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized the PubMed database. The search strategy was conducted up to 2 September 2023 using three main keywords; “Cost-effectiveness analysis”, “Cancer”, and “Artificial intelligence”. From 1746 retrieved articles, a total of 11 articles were included in the analysis. Studies found two types of AI interventions in cancer; screening type intervention(n = 6; 55%) and surgery type (n = 5; 45%). Prostate cancer was the most frequently studied (n = 3; 27%). The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the implementation of AI was cost-effective (n=5, 46%), particularly in cancer screening intervention. The review highlights two main groups of AI interventions in cancer care: screening and cancer surgery. From a cost-effectiveness point of view, AI intervention in screening was the most cost-effective strategy in cancer. On the other hand, the AI implementation in surgery showed inconsistent findings, with many studies not fully addressing the full economic evaluation.
2026-03-01
Mohamad Kashuri, Taruna Ikrar, Gunawan Indrayanto
This article presents an in-depth review of the regulatory complexities surrounding the cosmetics industry in various countries and evaluates the current efforts toward harmonization. It further analyzes the potential of intersectoral cooperation and technological advancements in shaping evidence-driven policy proposals for authorities, industry stakeholders, and other relevant actors seeking to improve regulatory oversight. Divergences in regulatory systems pose significant challenges, including market access restrictions, elevated compliance expenditures, and disruptions to international trade flows. Nonetheless, advancements in technology provide innovative tools to strengthen regulatory adherence and safeguard consumer health. These tools encompass digital infrastructures, centralized data repositories, artificial intelligence for risk assessment, and blockchain mechanisms for supply chain transparency. Achieving a balance between consumer safety, innovation facilitation, and market accessibility calls for a regulatory architecture that is both dynamic and internationally aligned. In addition, promoting global collaboration, integrating cutting-edge assessment technologies, and reinforcing synergies among regulators, academic institutions, and industry players are critical to enhancing regulatory effectiveness and public health protection. Ultimately, the review contributes actionable perspectives that support the development of a resilient and globally consistent regulatory ecosystem for cosmetic products.