Diabetes mellitus is one of many global health challenges, with increasing cases. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 10th edition (2021), an estimated 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and this number is projected to continue to increase. In Indonesia, the prevalence of diabetes is predicted to increase significantly, making this country one of the countries with the highest incidence rates in the world.
Dr. apt. Nita Triadisti, M.Farm., a doctor from the Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) of Universitas Indonesia (UI) conducted research focusing on the potential of the Uncaria sclerophylla (Kait-Kait) plant. This plant is known as a traditional medicinal plant and is widely used by the Tabalong community, South Kalimantan, in the treatment of diabetes. In her research, Dr. Nita tested extracts from various parts of the plant to assess their antidiabetic activity through various mechanisms, including inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and α-Glucosidase, as well as antioxidant activity.
In her research, Dr. Nita successfully isolated four secondary metabolite compounds from methanol extract of Uncaria sclerophylla leaves, namely Urs-12-en-3-ol, Rinkofilin, Catechin, and Methyl 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoate. The four compounds showed various important activities, including inhibition of DPP-4 and α-Glucosidase, as well as the ability to increase glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Antioxidant activity was only shown by Catechin, one of the isolated compounds. In addition, in silico activity clarifies the potential of these compounds in the treatment of diabetes.
“The results of this study indicate that Uncaria sclerophylla has great potential to be further developed as a candidate therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The compounds isolated and tested have the potential to reduce diabetes symptoms and improve glucose management in the body,” said Dr. Nita in the Open Session of Doctoral Promotion held by FFUI on Thursday, January 9, in the Grand Meeting Room of the FFUI Postgraduate Building, UI Depok Campus.
Thanks to her dissertation titled “Kajian Senyawa Penghambat Dipeptidil Peptidase-4, α-Glukosidase, Antioksidan dan Aktivitas Ambilan Glukosa Pada Sel HepG2 dari Uncaria sclerophylla” (Study of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Compounds, α-Glucosidase, Antioxidants and Glucose Uptake Activity in HepG2 Cells from Uncaria sclerophylla), the Chair of the Session who is also the Dean of FFUI, Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar, M.Si., gave appreciation for the results of her research. “With all the contributions made in the fields of pharmacy and health, I am proud to announce that Nita Triadisti graduated with summa cum laude. This research opens up a new path in the development of natural ingredient-based therapies that have great potential for the treatment of diabetes mellitus,” said Prof. Arry. Meanwhile, the Promoter, Prof. Dr. apt. Berna Elya, M.Si., also expressed pride in the success of this dissertation. “The research conducted by Dr. Nita not only enriches the world of pharmacy, but also shows the importance of exploring natural ingredients as a potential source of diabetes drugs. We hope that the results of this research can encourage further development in diabetes treatment based on safe and effective natural compounds,” said Prof. Berna.
