Malaria in Indonesia: current treatment approaches, future strategies, and potential herbal interventions

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, with varying prevalence across regions, particularly in eastern provinces like Papua and West Papua. This parasitic disease, transmitted by Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to burden affected populations. Contemporary treatment approaches predominantly rely on Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). However, the emergence of drug resistance, coupled with environmental and demographic factors, presents ongoing challenges. This paper explores current malaria treatment strategies in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the face of drug resistance and the need for innovative approaches. Additionally, it discusses the potential of herbal interventions, drawing from the rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Indonesia. Secondary metabolites found in herbs, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, show promise as antimalarial agents. As Indonesia and the global community strive to combat malaria, research, surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure development must remain at the forefront of strategies. Despite the complex nature of malaria control, continued dedication and collaboration offer hope for reducing the disease’s impact and progressing towards its eventual elimination. Graphical abstract

Dietary Supplementation of Caulerpa racemosa Ameliorates Cardiometabolic Syndrome via Regulation of PRMT-1/DDAH/ADMA Pathway and Gut Microbiome in Mice

This study evaluated the effects of an aqueous extract of Caulerpa racemosa (AEC) on cardiometabolic syndrome markers, and the modulation of the gut microbiome in mice administered a cholesterol- and fat-enriched diet (CFED). Four groups of mice received different treatments: normal diet, CFED, and CFED added with AEC extract at 65 and 130 mg/kg body weight (BW). The effective concentration (EC50) values of AEC for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and lipase inhibition were lower than those of the controls in vitro. In the mice model, the administration of high-dose AEC showed improved lipid and blood glucose profiles and a reduction in endothelial dysfunction markers (PRMT-1 and ADMA). Furthermore, a correlation between specific gut microbiomes and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic diseases was also observed. In vitro studies highlighted the antioxidant properties of AEC, while in vivo data demonstrated that AEC plays a role in the management of cardiometabolic syndrome via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function (PRMT-1/DDAH/ADMA pathway), and gut microbiota

PRISMA 2020 checklist for ‘Assessment of Psychobiotics Efficacy on Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials’

This PRISMA 2020 checklist for ‘Assessment of Psychobiotics Efficacy on Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials’</p

Human activities and changes in the gut microbiome: A perspective

The microbiome plays a role in maintaining the balance of the environment. However, the microbiome in the ecosystem has been affected by climate and environmental changes. The human activity that interferes with the balance of nature affects the composition of the microbiome in both the environment and the human body. Climate change drastically influences different environmental cycles. The microbiome responds and adapts to changes in ecological conditions, which results in a change in the balance of the microbiome in nature. It will adversely affect the microbiome imbalance in the human body, which affects the health of human. Therefore, this article will consider a related cycle of effects and the effects of human activity on the environment and the microbiome. The article's perspective should provide a clearer view of the effects of human activity on the changes in the gut microbiome. By humans - because humans - for humans, that is a fitting description of the disease cycle affected by the changes in the gut microbiome. Human activity results in changes in the composition of the soil microbiome and thus the quality and nutrients of food change as well. Changes in the quality of nutrients in the food consumed will cause an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome

Using synbiotics supplementation to treat hepatic steatosis: A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that occurs in a quarter of the global adult population. Thus far, NAFLD treatments are limited to lifestyle change and medicines with considerable adverse effects, with other novel treatment of choice, such as gut microbiota supplementation are currently being researched. This meta-analysis compares the effectiveness of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and placebo treatments for NAFLD-hepatic steatosis and has been written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Assessment of the bias risk of the included studies used Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. The literature search was conducted by five independent researchers from November 15, 2022, to December 20, 2022. Twenty studies, limited to English language publications, have been included in the qualitative synthesis, with nineteen of those also included in the quantitative synthesis using RevMan 5.4. The outcomes of interest are Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM), serum Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG). Out of the five outcomes of interest, AST, ALT, and IHTG demonstrate statistically significant results, supporting the use of synbiotic supplements rather than the placebo treatment, but LSM and HOMA-IR producing statistically insignificant results. Synbiotic supplements may serve as an alternative treatment for hepatic steatosis patients with NAFLD due to its significant benefit in reducing AST, ALT, and IHTG. Further research combined with other treatment plan might be of interest in this treatment method.This systematic review has been registered to the PROSPERO database (CRD42023392048)

Dietary supplementation of Muntingia calabura leaves ameliorates reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels: clinical study on alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Summary: Background and aims: Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) leaves are commonly found in Indonesia and are studied for their antidiabetic effect due to their high flavonoid and antioxidative capacity. Our study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary supplementation of kersen leaves extract on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in hyperglycemic Wistar rats. Method: We used 44 male adult Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) divided into four groups. Alloxan (100 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce hyperglycemia. Kersen leaves (500 mg/kg body weight) were given to two groups; one group was administered before and after the hyperglycemic condition, and only after the hyperglycemic condition was achieved in the other group. Results: Comparing ROS between groups after administration of kersen leaves extract on the last day after alloxan administration showed significant changes in ROS, P = 0.047 (P < 0.05). Regarding oxidative stress, the reactive oxygen species was positive correlated with malondialdehyde but was significant in only one group (r = 0.733, P = 0.024). Conclusion: Giving kersen leaves extract to Wistar rats with alloxan-induced hyperglycemia can downregulate ROS and MDA levels

A current insight and future perspective of edible bird nest as caviar of the east

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is a highly valuable food product obtained from swiftlet nests, primarily those of the Aerodramus genus. Due to its purported health benefits and exceptional taste, EBN is often referred to as the “caviar of the East.” This abstract presents a comprehensive review of the current state of EBN research, focusing on its chemical composition, nutritional value, pharmacological effects, and safety considerations. The chemical composition of EBN is intricate and influenced by various factors, including bird species, geographic origin, nest collection time, and processing methods. It is primarily composed of proteins, polysaccharides, minerals, lipids, and a wide range of bioactive compounds such as sialic acid, amino acids, and antioxidants. Additionally, EBN has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-aging properties attributed to these bioactive constituents. While EBN is generally considered safe for human consumption, it is essential to address concerns related to potential contaminants like heavy metals, microbial pathogens, and allergens. This review offers a comprehensive overview of previous research conducted on residual impurities that may be present in edible bird’s nests (EBNs). The review encompasses various aspects, including, the regulatory framework and associated concerns regarding EBNs, the levels of nitrite and nitrate detected in EBNs, the presence of bacteria, fungi, and mites in EBNs, the identification of allergenic substances in EBNs, and the presence of heavy metals and excessive mineral content at different stages of EBN processing, including raw uncleaned (RUC) EBNs, raw cleaned (RC) EBNs, and EBNs after undergoing treatment. Graphical abstract

Free radical scavenging, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activities of metabolites from strawberry kombucha: Molecular docking and in vitro studies

Obesity, a global issue, is linked to cardiometabolic syndrome. Dietary modification is one of the recommended modes for managing cardiometabolic syndrome. Strawberries, a functional food, and kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, have gained attention for their health benefits. This study investigated the bioactive components of strawberry kombucha drink (SKD) and their effects on antioxidant activities and improving metabolic disorder markers. An in vitro experiment was performed to determine the effect of SKD on enzymatic parameters: lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase activities. In addition, antioxidant activity using the DPPH method and quantification of the radical scavenging activity were also measured. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic profiling of SKD and molecular docking simulation were conducted. The findings suggest that SKD, rich in secondary metabolites, can inhibit lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase activities. It demonstrated in vitro anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing metabolic and inflammatory issues. Thus, SKD could be a therapeutic beverage to alter metabolic issues associated with obesity. Nevertheless, further preclinical study is warranted to determine SKD’s potential in vivo