2026-01-17
ARDITA AYU WULANDARI, ARUM NUR MUKARROMAH, ASFI DZIHNI, ATIKAH KHOIRIYAH AZZAM, ANGGUN DERISTANI, SUNARTO SUNARTO, AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN
Abstract. Wulandari AA, Mukarromah AN, Dzihni A, Azzam AK, Deristani A, Sunarto, Setyawan AD. 2025. Assessing tourist experience and willingness to pay for biodiversity conservation at Mongkrang Hill, Mount Lawu, Central Java, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 277-288. Highland ecosystems are ecologically sensitive environments increasingly pressured by nature-based tourism. Mongkrang Hill, located on the southern slopes of Mount Lawu in Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia, has experienced rapid visitor growth, raising concerns regarding vegetation disturbance, waste accumulation, and declining habitat quality. This study assesses tourist experience and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for conservation by integrating the Experiential Value Scale (EVS) with economic valuation. A total of 60 visitors were surveyed using structured questionnaires, supported by field observations and semi-structured interviews. Multiple regression analysis showed that all four EVS dimensions—hedonic, novelty, interaction, and comfort—significantly influenced visitor satisfaction, with novelty and hedonic value being the strongest predictors. Satisfaction, in turn, had a positive and significant effect on WTP (? = 0.90), explaining 80.1% of its variance. The average additional WTP of IDR 15,840 indicates substantial potential for conservation-based financing. Observations further revealed ecological pressures related to trail erosion, vegetation trampling, and improper waste disposal, alongside community benefits through local economic activities and circular economy practices such as plastic waste recycling. The integrated EVS–WTP approach highlights how enhanced visitor experience can strengthen pro-conservation behavior and provide actionable pathways for sustainable ecotourism management. These findings support the development of experience-based conservation strategies for biodiversity protection in highland ecosystems.
2026-01-17
AARSHI SRIVASTAVA, VINEETA PANDEY, RAKESH KUMAR VERMA, AVINASH MARWAL, RAMWANT GUPTA, MUHAMMAD SHAFIQ SHAHID, R. K. GAUR
Abstract. Srivastava A, Pandey V, Verma RK, Marwal A, Gupta R, Shahid MS, Gaur RK. 2025. Phylogeny and recombination of papaya begomoviruses in Northern and Central-East India. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 298-312. Papaya plants exhibiting characteristic leaf curl symptoms were surveyed in 2022 across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, India. Begomovirus infection was suspected based on symptomatology and confirmed in 11 of 47 collected samples using PCR with Begomovirus -specific primers. This study aimed to elucidate the diversity and distribution of begomoviruses infecting papaya in these regions. Full-length viral genomes were amplified through Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), and associated alphasatellites and betasatellites were detected using PCR with universal primers. The amplified viral genomes (~2.7 kb), betasatellites (~1.4 kb), and alphasatellites (~1.3 kb) were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed 94.57-99.46% nucleotide identity of DNA-A with known isolates of Papaya Leaf Curl Virus (PaLCuV), Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV), Croton Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (CYVMV), Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV), and Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Virus (CLCuMuV). The DNA-B component exhibited 98.33% identity with ToLCNDV. Ten betasatellites shared 86.81-99.71% identity with related species, whereas two alphasatellites showed approximately 98.5% identity with PaLCuA and PaLCVSA. One betasatellite (PL36) displayed 86.81% identity and was identified as a novel Papaya Leaf Curl Raipur Betasatellite (PaLCuRPRB). Furthermore, six PaLCuV isolates showing <91% identity was classified as new PaLCuV variants.
2026-01-17
AGUSTINA PUTRI CAHYANINGSIH, NITA ETIKAWATI, AHMAD YUNUS
Abstract. Cahyaningsih AP, Etikawati N, Yunus A. 2025. Gamma-ray irradiation induced polymorphism in Echinacea purpurea revealed by RAPD markers. Nusantara Bioscience 17: 289-297. One of the major challenges in the development and cultivation of Echinacea purpurea in Indonesia is the narrow genetic diversity and the lack variation of local accessions, which restricts breeding potential to produce superior varieties with improved traits in terms of morphological characteristics and phytochemical content as medicinal ingredients. To overcome this challenge, gamma-ray irradiation methods can be used as an effective tool to induce mutations and increase genetic variability. This study investigated the impact of gamma irradiation on the genetic diversity of E. purpurea using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The seeds of E. purpurea were irradiated using gamma-ray with irradiation doses of 0 Gy (control), 20 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy. Nine RAPD primers, including OPA-10, OPA-16, OPA-18, and OPA-19, were used to amplify DNA segments. The binary data obtained from the electrophoresis visualization for each treatment were analyzed using the Dice similarity index to calculate the similarity index. Dendrogram construction were performed using the NTSYS. The analysis revealed a significant increase in genetic diversity at doses of 40 Gy and 60 Gy, with 58.04% of the total bands showing polymorphism across all treatments. The 60 Gy treatment, in particular, resulted in the highest genetic dissimilarity compared to the control, indicating a dose-dependent response. The similarity coefficients between control and irradiated plants ranged from 63.7% (20 Gy) to 84.4% (0 Gy), with a noticeable trend toward greater genetic differentiation as the irradiation dose increased. These findings suggest that gamma irradiation effectively induces genetic variation in E. purpurea , which could be harnessed for mutation breeding programs aimed at improving desirable traits such as phytochemical production. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term evaluation are needed to assess the stability of these mutations and their potential for incorporation into breeding programs. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of gamma irradiation in enhancing genetic diversity and its potential application in breeding superior E. purpurea varieties with improved agronomic or medicinal traits.
2025-11-09
BABAJIDE B. AJAYI, KEHINDE S. OLAITAN, OLUWATOBA F. OWOYOMI, SUNDAY E. ONI, AKINWALE M. AKINLABI, ELIZABETH O. ARO, DAVID O. OGBOLU
Abstract. Ajayi BB, Olaitan KS, Owoyomi OF, Oni SE, Akinlabi AM, Aro EO, Ogbolu DO. 2025. Dengue virus and Plasmodium coinfection among febrile patients in Osun State, Nigeria . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 253- 258 . Dengue and malaria are major co-endemic vector-borne diseases in Nigeria, presenting significant diagnostic challenges due to their overlapping clinical symptoms. In settings where malaria is hyperendemic, febrile illnesses are often presumptively treated as malaria, potentially leading to the misdiagnosis of other pathogens like dengue virus (DENV). This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of DENV infection and the prevalence of DENV/ Plasmodium coinfection among febrile patients in Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2024, involving 250 febrile patients from selected healthcare facilities. Blood samples were analyzed using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Plasmodium antigens and for DENV-specific Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected via structured questionnaires. The prevalence of malaria was high at 53.6% (134/250), consistent with the region's hyperendemic status. Evidence of recent DENV infection (IgM positive) was found in 0.8% (2/250) of patients, while 6.4% (16/250) were IgG positive, indicating past exposure. Concurrent infection was detected in 0.8% (2/250) of patients for Malaria/DENV IgM and 3.2% (8/250) for Malaria/DENV IgG. Both malaria and DENV IgG seropositivity were significantly associated with age (p<0.05). This study confirms the endemic circulation of DENV in Osun State and highlights its contribution to the burden of non-malarial febrile illness. These findings underscore the critical need to revise existing diagnostic algorithms and integrate DENV surveillance into public health frameworks to mitigate misdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
2025-07-03
UPENDO SHWAIBU MFINANGA, EZEKIEL EDWARD MWAKALUKWA
Abstract. Mfinanga US , Mwakalukwa EE . 2025. Stand structure, diversity, and carbon stock assessment of Lake Duluti Forest Reserve in Tanzania . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 185-193 . For a successful conservation of biodiversity in a particular forest, assessment of its status and underlying threats is important. Estimation of carbon stocks locked up in the forest is also key in designing the required climate change mitigation options. However, there is limited information on the biodiversity status and carbon storage potential of many forest reserves in Tanzania. This study assessed the tree and shrub species diversity, composition, stand structure, and carbon stock potential of the Lake Duruti Forest Reserve (LDFR). Data were collected from 40 systematically established concentric plots (0.071 ha each) covering a total forest area of 26.24 ha. A total of 48 tree and shrub species were recorded, comprising both adult individuals (DBH ? 5 cm) and regenerants (DBH < 5 cm), representing 25 plant families. Adult individuals accounted for 42 species from 23 families, while regenerants included 22 species from 15 families. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H?) was 3.21 for adults and 2.80 for regenerants, indicating high species diversity. The mean stem density of adult trees was 197 ± 97 stems ha?¹, with a basal area of 16.27 ± 7.30 m² ha?¹. The estimated above-ground carbon stock was 79.24 ± 35.31 Mg C ha?¹, while below-ground carbon stock was 30.86 ± 12.77 Mg C ha?¹. The absence of visible anthropogenic disturbance suggests effective conservation measures are in place. These findings highlight the ecological stability and carbon sequestration potential of LDFR and highlight the need for strategic planning to enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon stock management.
2025-05-28
FIKA NUR APRILIA, FRANSISCA AMELIA KARTIKA ARDHYANTI, HANA PARAMESTI, GHAZY AQILA SHANDY PRABOWO, RAISA NOOR SAFIRA, NISYAWATI NISYAWATI, AHMAD DWI SETYAWAN
Abstract. Aprilia FN , Ardhyanti FAK , Paramesti H , Prabowo GAS , Safira RN , Nisyawati, Setyawan AD . 202 5 . Diversity of plants as a food supplement and medicine for livestock in cattleman communities of Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 84-95 . The Wonosobo community in Central Java, Indonesia mostly participates in agriculture and animal husbandry. Individuals engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry exhibit a significant reliance on local resources for the management of food production and animals. This study aimed to find plant diversity that serves as animal feed and supplements for cattle in Wonosobo. The investigation was conducted in October 2024 in the Kalibawang Sub-district of Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia, utilizing data gathered from four villages: Dempel, Kalialang, Karangsambung, and Mergolangu. This study included direct surveys and comprehensive interviews with 126 livestock farmers to collect data. The study documented 74 plant species from 37 families utilized as animal feed. The predominant plant families were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Moraceae, encompassing several plants with considerable potential for application in feed, medicine, and animal supplements, presenting a promising perspective for the future of agriculture in Wonosobo. Of the 78 species, 15 were utilized by the inhabitants of Kalibawang Sub-district for medicinal applications, including wora-wari ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ), sengon laut ( Paraserianthes falcataria ), brotowali ( Tinospora cordifolia ), coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), papaya ( Carica papaya ), jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ), Gliricidia ( Gliricidia sepium ), sulanjana ( Pennisetum purpureum ), cassava ( Manihot esculenta ), jenu ( Derris elliptica ), banana ( Musa x paradisiaca ), ginger ( Zingiber officinale ), turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), candlenut ( Aleurites moluccanus ), and mahogany ( Swietenia mahagoni ). The highest UV index was recorded in Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam and Carica papaya L., with a value of 0.023. The highest indices for RFC (0.37) is Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn and IAR (Informant Agreement Ratio) (0.94) is Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam; however, the highest ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) index was associated with the diarrhea (0.66).
2025-05-28
AGUSTIARINI DEWI ANUGRAHANI, DONO INDARTO, ETI PONCORINI PAMUNGKASARI, LILIK WIJAYANTI, FISTA UTAMI
Abstract. Anugrahani AD, Indarto D, Pamungkasari EP, Wijayanti L, Utami F. 2025. Development of anti-obesity herbal drink from butterfly pea flower ( Clitoria ternatea ) extract and lemon ( Citrus limon ) juice . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 129-136 . Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a high global prevalence and higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity management comprises diet, physical exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Some obese patients have low compliance with diet and exercise therapy, while long-term use of anti-obesity drugs causes adverse side effects. Herbal drinks have also been used for obesity treatment, but their efficacy remains debatable. Herbal drink products have been developed, including butterfly pea flower extract and lemon juice, which contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that have anti-obesity activity. The purpose of this study was to create a herbal drink for obesity treatment and analyze acceptability, microbiological contamination, and nutritional and phytochemical contents. An organoleptic test assessed the acceptability of the herbal drink. Analysis of macronutrient content used proximate methods. Vitamin C and microbiological tests were performed using spectrophotometric and Total Plate Count (TPC) methods. Delphinidin and hesperidin levels were measured using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and followed by the post-hoc Mann-Whitney with p<0.05 to determine the best formula of the four formulas (F1-F4) in this study. Organoleptic test results showed that formulation F3 of the herbal drink was the most liked and acceptable by the panelists. The herbal drink (F3) contained 0.82% fat, 0.34% protein, 0.099% carbohydrate, 3,527.25 mg/100 g vitamin C, 21.66 ppm delphinidin, and 525.68 ppm hesperidin. In conclusion, herbal drink has the potential to become an alternative anti-obesity treatment. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of herbal drinks on weight loss and lipid profile improvement in obese patients.
2025-05-05
JOHN REY NATINGA LABAJO, JUNESA UDTOJAN CRISTOBAL, MYRNA GEMENTIZA PABIONA, ROMIL S. TAN, JESSIE GUTIERREZ-SUSON, LYDIA EBARE-TIONGCO
Abstract. Labajo JRN , Cristobal JU , Pabiona MG , Tan RS , Gutierrez-Suson J , Ebare-Tiongco L . 2025. Metal concentration and environmental risk assessment of roadside soils in highly urbanized areas of Bukidnon, Philippines . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 68-83 . Five urbanized localities in Bukidnon were selected based on population density and vehicular activities. Soil samples were collected, and metal concentration was determined using AAS, sediment quality guidelines, and the contamination index. The study assessed the metal concentration and environmental risk assessment of soil along the road from five localities in the Province of Bukidnon: It was observed that the highest total concentration for Mn (229.46±21.26), Fe (199.87±51.78), Co (38.13±16.18), Zn (32.43±19.13), Cu (18.17±4.52), Cr (17.95±1.76), and Cd (0.901±0.063) mg kg -1 respectively, Mn, exhibited the highest (lgeo), of "moderately contaminated" level. Co was the highest CF value corresponding to "moderate contamination." The Pollution Load Index (PLI) value of all sampling sites was "perfection or low pollution index." Mn has the highest EFs of "moderately severe enrichment." The Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) revealed that metals are "low risk" and "low." For a multi-element factor, there is "no potential ecological risk" for all study sites. The Toxic Risk Index (TRI) shows "no toxic risk" observed by the metal(iod)s. While Cr has the highest mHQ, with "low severity of contamination." The study underscores the need for practical measures to mitigate metal contamination in agricultural areas, recommending that policymakers, local government officials, and stakeholders develop mitigation approaches to protect the environment and public health.
2025-03-27
KHEA V. GALAY, SHEILA MARIE Y. PLIMACO
Abstract. Galay KV , Plimaco SMY. 2025. Mycochemical screening, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of Panaeolus cyanescens . Nusantara Bioscience 17: 137-154 . This study focuses on exploring the subtleties of the hallucinogenic mushroom Panaeolus cyanescens Sacc., known for its psychoactive component psilocybin. The study focuses on exploring the phytochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extracts through rigorous procedures while considering factors such as chemical composition, physiological characteristics, possible therapeutic applications, and the broader implications of its psychoactive nature. The methods used are mycochemical screening, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and brine shrimp lethality test. The goal of the study is to determine the bioactive components in the mushroom and investigate their potential therapeutic applications, with an emphasis on their anticancer capabilities. The process entails gathering, confirming, and producing the extracts. A wide spectrum of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and fatty acids, are shown in the results, suggesting several potential therapeutic advantages. 25 unique compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties have been identified by GC-MS analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of their bioactivity. With an IC50 value of 91.19 ppm, the DPPH assay exhibits strong antioxidant qualities and notable concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. With an LC50 value of 26.63 ppm, cytotoxicity studies show substantial toxicity and strong anticancer effects. The study highlights P. cyanescens's varied bioactive properties, antioxidant capacity, and intriguing anticancer potential while offering crucial insights into the proper dosage and responsible usage of the plant. The findings of the present assessment provide initial scientific validation for the mushroom's historic use in long-standing cultural customs. This study catalyzes additional research and confirmation of its therapeutic value.