The effect of ethanol extract of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation of rat post protein malnutrition

Protein malnutrition may affect changes in morphology, neurochemistry, neurogenesis and immune system in the brain. Pasak bumi is often used as an aphrodisiac which is almost the same as Ginseng. The neurogenesis development can be stimulated by ginseng extract intervention. This study aimed to prove the effect of pasak bumi on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation in post-protein malnutrition rats. Experimental research design, rats were divided into 6 groups: KN=normal rats+standard feed, P1=malnutrition rats+aquadest, P2=malnutrition rats + 70% ethanol extract of pasak bumi (EPB) 7.5 mg/kg BW, P3=malnutrition rats + EPB 15 mg/kg BW, P4=malnutrition rats + EPB 22.5 mg/kg BW, P5=malnutrition rats + EPB 30 mg/kg BW. EPB administration for 5 weeks. Parameters examined were levels of BDNF, IL6, TNFα, and serotonin by ELISA method. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test with 95% confidence level. The results of the study: the mean BDNF level in the P3 group was significantly highest (p=0.047). However, there was no significant difference between groups in IL6, TNFα, and serotonin. Conclusion: The 70% ethanol extract of pasak bumi did not affect neuroinflammation and brain serotonin levels in post-malnutrition rats, but increased BDNF levels in post-malnourished rats at a dose of 22.5 mg/kg BW.

Optimized preparation of quassinoids rich Eurycoma longifolia Jack, TAF2-phospholipid complex and its effects on oral bioavailability

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a plant of the genus Eurycoma in Simaroubaceae. Eurycomanone is one of the main quassinoids of E. longifolia. Unfortunately, these quassinoids exhibit low bioavailability . In the present study, a phospholipid complex (TAF2-PC) was prepared to improve the oral bioavailability of TAF2 (Tongkat Ali Fraction 2). The complexation rate of eurycomanone and phospholipid was used as the index of success in the phospholipid complexes. The effects of reaction solvent, reaction temperature, drug concentration, drug-lipid ratio and reaction time on thecomplexation rate were investigated. Response Surface-Box-Behnken Design Method was performed to optimize the preparation technology and the pharmacokinetics of phospholipid complex of TAF2 were studied in rats. Our results showed that the optimum preparation condition of TAF2-phospholipid complex were as follows: reaction solvent, anhydrous ethanol; reaction time, 1 h; the ratio of TAF2 to phospholipid, 2.28; reaction temperature, 40.85 ℃; TAF2 concentration, 32.66 mg/ml; and complexation rate, 95.04 ± 0.4% (n=3).The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the relative bioavailability was increased to 209.20% in the TAF2-phospholipid complex-treated rats.Thus,this phospholipid-complex-technique shows potential for enhancing oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed quassinoid-rich E. longifolia extract, TAF2.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) on Malay Ethnic Group in Tanjung Balai, Karimun, Riau Islands

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) is one of the tropical forest plants in Indonesia, which is utilized as a raw material in the manufacture of various modern and traditional medicines. However, information regarding the potential and conservation of this plant in indigenous communities in Karimun, Riau Islands has not been well-documented. Therefore, researchers conducted a study in Pongkar Village and Karimun Anak, Tabing, Riau Islands concerning the potential and conservation of tongkat ali for the lives of the people in these research locations. Data were collected through an ethnobotanical approach and interviews with selected respondents, traditional healers, village heads, the representative from Karimun Forestry Conservation Office, and local people who utilize this plant in their daily lives. The results showed that the local community utilized tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) as medicinal ingredients to treat fever caused by malaria, to increase stamina, and to be an alternative source to increase the family’s income. In addition, efforts to conduct in-situ and ex-situ conservation supported by the community, indigenous communities, and government agencies are highly needed so that its utilization can be carried out sustainably.

Review: Etnotaksonomi dan bioekologi tumbuhan pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack.)

Eurycoma longifolia (EL) is a species that have economical benefit as medicinal ingredients for human health. This species grows in tropical forest areas with high rainfall. Research on the ecology of EL has been done a lot, but research related to ethnotaxonomic, bioecology that includes morphology, ecology, and the association of EL with other plants hasn’t been done much. This study aim to analyze the bioecology of EL plant. The method is literature study, which is looking for literature on the results of research that has been carried out related to EL. The results showed that EL has long been known by the communities of Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia with several local names. This plant is also associated with other plants around where it grows, one of which is kempas (Koompassia malaccensis). Based on the results of literature review, research on natural regeneration of EL hasn’t been done much. Therefore, there is a need for research related to the natural regeneration of EL. In addition, it is necessary to conduct research related to the characteristics of the place to grow for optimal cultivation of EL. Thus, the preservation of EL in the future can be maintained.