Immunobioinformatics analysis and phylogenetic tree construction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Indonesia: spike glycoprotein gene

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread worldwide and as a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. At present, there are no approved vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the aim of this study was to predict epitope-based vaccines using bioinformatics approaches and phylogenetic tree construction of SARS-CoV-2 against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we employed 27 isolates of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein genes retrieved from GenBank® (National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA) and the GISAID EpiCoV™ Database (Germany). We analyzed the candidate epitopes using the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource. Furthermore, we performed a protective antigen prediction with VaxiJen 2.0. Data for B-cell epitope prediction, protective antigen prediction, and the underlying phylogenetic tree of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained in this research. Therefore, these data could be used to design an epitope-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. However, the advanced study is recommended for confirmation (in vitro and in vivo)

A mini review of Curcuma longa: Antimicrobial properties

This review discusses the antimicrobial potential of Curcuma longa, a plant traditionally recognized for its medicinal properties. The emerging concern over antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the adverse effects of synthetic drugs, necessitates an exploration of plant-based natural antimicrobials. Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, provides a compelling case with its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The review first delves into the phytochemical composition of Curcuma longa, focusing on its primary bioactive compounds, the curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most prominent. These compounds, along with essential oils and polysaccharides, contribute significantly to the antimicrobial properties of the plant

Alpha-Mangostin as an Antiviral Candidate: A Mini Review

This mini review aims to explore the potential of alpha-mangostin as an antiviral candidate. Alpha-mangostin is a natural compound found in the fruit of the Garcinia mangostana tree. Over the years, it has attracted considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antiviral activity. This review provides an overview of the current literature on the antiviral effects of alpha-mangostin, focusing on its mechanisms of action and its efficacy against various viral infections. The potential application of alpha-mangostin as a therapeutic agent against viral diseases is discussed, along with future research directions and challenges in the development of alpha-mangostin-based antiviral therapies

Chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles of Mango ginger (Curcuma mangga) extract: Phytochemical screening, formulation, characterization, and antioxidant activity

Introduction: Mango ginger (Curcuma mangga) is one of Indonesia's medicinal plants widely used in most communities as a lust booster and for detoxifying purposes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to synthesize chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles from mango ginger extract, determine their chemical contents, the nano chitosan characteristics, and its antioxidant activity. Methods: In this study, we macerated mango ginger using 70% ethanol solvent, then performed phytochemical test and formulation of chitosan nanoparticles of mango ginger extract. The group of secondary metabolites that showed positive results with the reagent test was further identifed through TLC. Results: The results showed that the extract contained flavonoids and triterpenoids. Also, characterization of chitosannnanoparticles from the extract was conducted with FTIR test, PSA, XRD, and SEM. Based on the results, the nano chitosan particle size was 993 nm and examination with FTIR showed the presence of N-H and P=O groups, indicating ammonium ion interaction from chitosan with the polyanion from TPP and Mango ginger. Additionally, the XRD results showed that the crystals formed were in an amorphous form, which was supported by particle morphology images from SEM. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed very strong antioxidant activity based on the reaction with DPPH. Conclusion: Based on these results, the phytochemical identification of mango ginger extract showed positive results in flavonoid and triterpenoid compounds. In addition, based on the characterization of the nanoparticles, the mango ginger extract showed positive results, illustrating that the nano chitosan synthesis was successful. Furthermore, the nano chitosan has a very strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 18.08 µg/mL

Beneficial Effect of Grinting Grass (Cynodon dactylon) on the Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus in the Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate antidiabetic activity of the non-polisacharide fraction of the aquoeus extract of printing grass (NPF-GG) in streptozotocin induced diabetes in mice. Thirty male BALB/C mice of two months age were divided into five gruops: placebo control, metformin control, NPF-GG treated gruops(250 mg/kgBW, 500 mg/kgBW, and 1000 mg/kgBW, respectively). Hypoglicemic effect and histopathological features of the pancreatic islet showed that NPF-GG have high antidiabetic effect. It induced hypoglicemic effect and increased the call quantity in Langerhans cells in the pancreas Keyword: antihyperglicemic activity, Cynodon dactylon, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic isle

Genetic Variant of SARS-CoV-2 Isolates in Indonesia: Spike Glycoprotein Gene

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus and the primary causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first occurred in China and rapidly spread worldwide. The government of the Republic of Indonesia confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19 in March 2020. COVID-19 is a serious illness with no efficacious antiviral medication or approved vaccine currently available. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the genome of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein genes from Indonesia to investigate their genetic composition and variability. Overall, ten SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein gene sequences retrieved from GenBank (National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA) and the GISAID EpiCoV database (Germany) were compared. We analyzed nucleotide variants and amino acid changes using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) X and analyzed gene similarity using the LALIGN web server. Interestingly, we revealed several specific mutation sites, however, there were no significant changes in the genetic composition of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein genes, when compared to the WuhanHu-1 isolate from China. However, this is a preliminary study and we recommend that molecular epidemiology and surveillance programs against COVID-19 in Indonesia be improve

Concept of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Design to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review Insight

Cluster of pneumonia infection emerged in Wuhan, China due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Additionally, more than 190 countries have confirmed 82 million cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Currently, there is a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, and no effective prophylactic methods are available. A vaccine is considered as an effective method to restrict an epidemic. Several vaccine designing techniques have been established, which is enabling researchers from various institutes for developing vaccine towards SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this review, we condense the development of vaccine research against SARS-CoV-

Optimization of Centella asiatica (L.) urban dosage in improving memory of mice with brain necrosis model

Brain necrosis in mice can be triggered by injection of streptozotocin (STZ), causing nerve cell injury that can trigger neurodegenerative diseases. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is one of the herbs whose triterpenoid compounds have neuroregenerative activity, so it is widely used as Centella asiatica (L.) Urban extract (EkCa). The aim of this study was to determine the optimization of EkCa dose in improving memory of mice in brain necrosis model. The design of this study was completely randomized design with 36 male Balb/C strain mice weighing 25–30 g with 6 treatments (control, EkCa 20, 30, 40 mg/kgBW, and metformin 25 mg) with each treatment repeated 6 times. Brain necrosis mice were made by injecting multiple doses of STZ intraperitoneally at a dose of 40 mg/kgBW for 3 days and 60 mg/kgBW for 2 consecutive days. Memory was obtained from the calculation of retention time (RT-LT > 0). Data analysis used One Way Anova test followed with Duncan test. The results showed that the optimum dose was 30 mg/kgBW (P < 0.05). From the results of the study, it can be concluded that EkCa has neuroregenerative activity so that it can improve the memory of mice with brain necrosis model

Optimization of Centella asiatica (L.) urban dosage in improving memory of mice with brain necrosis model

Brain necrosis in mice can be triggered by injection of streptozotocin (STZ), causing nerve cell injury that can trigger neurodegenerative diseases. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is one of the herbs whose triterpenoid compounds have neuroregenerative activity, so it is widely used as Centella asiatica (L.) Urban extract (EkCa). The aim of this study was to determine the optimization of EkCa dose in improving memory of mice in brain necrosis model. The design of this study was completely randomized design with 36 male Balb/C strain mice weighing 25–30 g with 6 treatments (control, EkCa 20, 30, 40 mg/kgBW, and metformin 25 mg) with each treatment repeated 6 times. Brain necrosis mice were made by injecting multiple doses of STZ intraperitoneally at a dose of 40 mg/kgBW for 3 days and 60 mg/kgBW for 2 consecutive days. Memory was obtained from the calculation of retention time (RT-LT > 0). Data analysis used One Way Anova test followed with Duncan test. The results showed that the optimum dose was 30 mg/kgBW (P < 0.05). From the results of the study, it can be concluded that EkCa has neuroregenerative activity so that it can improve the memory of mice with brain necrosis model

Effect of pegagan (Centella asiatica) nanoparticle coated with chitosan on the cytokineprofile of chronic diabetic mice

Diabetes is closely related to immune response problems when it occurs chronically. Pegagan (Centella asiatica)is a medicinal plant with active compounds.Madecassosideis beneficial in treating diabetes,andnanoparticle technology is expected to enhance the medicinal potential and availability of pegagan compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chitosan-coated pegagan nanoparticles on the cytokine profile of chronic diabetic mice,which includedCD4+TNF-α+, CD8+TNF-α+,CD4+IFN-γ+,CD8+IFN-γ+and IL-6+. An experimentalstudywitharandomizedcomplete block design (CRD) consistingof six treatments with seven replicateswas conducted. The groups were: healthy mice as negative control; diabetic mice treated with distilled wateras positive control and diabetic mice treated withnanoparticle coated with chitosan (NPC) 20 mg/kg,30 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and metformin 130 mg/kgBW. The data were tested using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level of 5% and continued with the Duncan’smultiple range test. The results showed that pegaganNPC could significantly reduce therelative numberof CD4+TNF-α+, CD8+TNF-α+, CD4+IFN-γ+and CD8+IFN-γ+and IL-6 in the dose of 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg(p<0.05). The treatment dose of 20 mg/kg reducedCD4+TNF-α+, CD8+TNF-α+, CD4+IFN-γ+, CD8+IFN-γ+to the levels of healthy miceand a dose of 30 mg/kg couldreduce IL-6 as in healthy mice. These findings suggest that chitosan-coated pegagan nanoparticles area promisingtherapy for diabetes,as they have the potential to modulate the immune response associated with chronic diabete