Immunomodulatory effect from ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Curcuma heyneana Valeton and Zijp: Transient receptor vanilloid protein approach.

This study aims to discover the immunomodulatory potential of the ethanol extract (EE) and the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of Curcuma heyneana Valeton and Zijp (Indonesian name: temu giring) rhizome using mice models. The affinity of the curcuminoid (curcumin, dimethoxy-, and bisdemethoxy-) through the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) was determined using Mollegro molecular docking in silico. The curcuminoid concentration of the EE and EAF of C. heyneana rhizome were determined using thin-layer chromatography densitometry. In vivo studies in mice models were conducted using the carbon clearance method to determine the phagocytosis index, and the number of leukocytes in the blood and spleen. Forty mice were divided into eight groups, including negative control (given 1% CMC-Na), positive control (given Stimuno Forte® suspension at a dose of 6.5 mg/kg BW), three groups given the EAF of C. heyneana rhizome extract at a dose of 125 mg/kg BW, 250 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW, respectively, and three groups were given EE of temu giring rhizome extract with doses of 125 mg/kg BW, 250 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW, respectively. E.E. and E.A.F. of C. heyneana (temu giring) rhizome extract contained dimethoxy curcumin (0.176 ± 0.01 and 4.53 ± 0.02 %b/b) greater than another curcuminoid, bisdemetoxy curcumin and curcumin. EE at 125 mg/kg BW and EAF dose at 500 mg/kg B W. of temu giring rhizome have immunostimulant activity with a phagocytosis index value of >1 compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Additionally, both increase the number of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophil cells in peripheral blood and spleen compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Their activity was seen as similar to the positive control. Therefore, the EE of C. heyneana rhizome has immunostimulant activity, and the EAF of C. heyneana rhizome has immunosuppressant activity at 125 mg/kg BW and immunostimulant at a higher dose. The activity of temu giring as an immunomodulator was associataed with its affinity to TRPV1.

Colorimetric Paper-Based Dual Indicator Label for Real-Time Monitoring of Fish Freshness.

Research background: Fish freshness and quality monitoring are of high importance for consumers, retailers and fishing industry. Therefore, developing novel approaches that are simple, fast, non-destructive and inexpensive to monitor fish freshness in real time is of great value. One alternative is using Intelligent or smart packaging to monitor the freshness or conditions of packaged fish. Experimental approach: On-package dual indicator label based on paper-based pH sensors was developed for real-time monitoring of the milkfish (Chanos chanos) freshness. The paper-based pH sensor was prepared using bromocresol purple (BCP) and bromothymol blue (BTB) that were immobilized onto a filter paper by dip coating. Herein, the fish degradation could be monitored visually by the dual indicator label, where the BCP changes from yellow to pink, then finally to purple, while the BTP changes from orange to green-yellow, and finally to green-blue to indicate fresh, medium fresh or spoiled product, respectively. Results and conclusion: The label responds to the pH change caused by the fish degradation and the colour of dual indicator changes to show the fish freshness at room temperature and chiller conditions. This pH change was followed by changes in the other parameters related to fish freshness, such as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), total viable count (TVC), texture and odour. The threshold of fish spoilage at room temperature was observed at 8 h and under chiller conditions at 7 days when the deterioration time point was indicated by the colour changes. Thus, it can be concluded that the dual indicator label can be applied as a simple and low-cost on-package active label for fish freshness monitoring. Novelty and scientific contribution: Increasing consumer concerns about quality and safe food worldwide has boosted the search for a novel approach to food monitoring. In this work, a simple and practical on-package dual indicator label for real-time monitoring of fish freshness was developed. The colorimetric pH sensor was obtained simply by dip-coating of filter paper, yet it enables easy and accurate detection of fish spoilage with the naked eye. Similarly, the dual indicator label changes colour for other freshness parameters, such as TVBN, TVC, texture and odour.

Anti-cancer Evaluation of Depsides Isolated from Indonesian Folious Lichens: Physcia millegrana, Parmelia dilatata and Parmelia aurulenta.

Cancer is a serious health burden on global societies. The discovery and development of new anti-cancer therapies remains a challenging objective. Although it has been shown that lichen secondary metabolites may be potent sources for new anti-cancer agents, the Indonesian- grown folious lichens, Physcia millegrana,Parmelia dilatata and Parmeila aurulenta, have not yet been explored. In this study exhaustive preparative high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to isolate the lichen constituents with spectroscopic and spectrometric protocols identifying nine depsides 9-17, including the new methyl 4-formyl-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoate 13. The cytotoxicity of the depsides towards cancer cells was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results indicated lowest toxicity of the depsides towards human A549 lung cancer cells. Importantly, the di-depsides (11, 12 and 17) showed greatest toxicity, indicating that these structures are biologically more active than the mono-depsides against the HepG2 liver cancer, A549 lung cancer and HL-60 leukemia cell lines.