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Eleutherine bulbosa, a plant native to Kalimantan, has shown potential as an alternative cancer treatment. This discovery comes from research conducted by UGM students in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Science Research (PKM-RE).
The team, consisting of Ribka Wijayanti and Dwina Aulia (Dentistry 2022), Anisah Qurrotu Aini (Biology 2022), Naila Nurfadhilah, and Atikah Nur Hanifah (Pharmacy 2022), under the supervision of Professor Supriatno from the Faculty of Dentistry, has developed antioxidant compounds that inhibit cancer cell growth.
Tongue cancer results from proto-oncogene activity, which leads to excessive cell proliferation and the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. This uncontrolled growth forms tumors, which may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are what we refer to as cancer.
Current cancer treatments are continuously being developed, but the rapid spread of cancer cells throughout the body remains a significant challenge.
Ribka Wijayanti, a team member and a UGM Dentistry student, explained that Eleutherine bulbosa must undergo specialized processing to maximize its cancer treatment potential.
“Eleutherine bulbosa contains potent antioxidants, including isoliquiritigenin, isoeleutherine, flavonoids, and oxyresveratrol. These therapeutic compounds cannot be fully utilized using conventional extraction methods,” Wijayanti explained on Sunday (Aug. 4).
To optimize the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa and target specific organs, the UGM students used the Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticle (PDENs) method. This technique facilitates intercellular communication and strengthens immunity against pathogens.
The research began by isolating PDENs from Eleutherine bulbosa using a polymer-based precipitation technique with PEG6000, resulting in a solution of Eleutherine bulbosa PDENs.
“We tested the compound on human tongue cancer cells at various concentrations,” she added.
The results showed fewer living cancer cells due to apoptosis, with fewer cells proliferating at higher concentrations of Eleutherine bulbosa PDENs.
Dwina Aulia, a fellow team member from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry, emphasized that the lab results demonstrated the effectiveness of Eleutherine bulbosa, processed through the PDENs method, in inhibiting growth and killing human tongue cancer cells.
Although this research is still pre-clinical testing, further development could lead to new oral cancer treatments using herbal medicine.
“This interdisciplinary collaboration has inspired us to continue exploring nature’s potential to enhance human life,” Aulia concluded.
Eleutherine bulbosa, originally from Kalimantan, is now cultivated in various regions, including by Danurejan (Yogyakarta) farming groups. Its cultivation is relatively easy, as Eleutherine bulbosa grows wild in Kalimantan’s forests.
Through intensive cultivation methods, Eleutherine bulbosa can be harvested within six months.
“The ease of cultivation, care, and its numerous health benefits provide economic value that local MSMEs can capitalize on,” she noted.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Warta Kaltim
Post-editor: Afif