International Journal of Ecophysiology

Vegetation Composition and Carbon Storage Potential at Tree and Pole Levels in the Gunung Leuser National Park Area, Bukit Lawang, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Forests play a crucial role in environmental, economic, and social sustainability by storing carbon and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to assess the vegetation composition, diversity, and carbon storage in Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. Fieldwork, conducted using purposive and nested sampling methods, recorded 11 families and 14 plant species with 27 individuals at the tree growth level, and 11 families and 16 plant species with 30 individuals at the pole growth level. The Burseraceae family dominated tree-level composition (29%), while the Phyllanthaceae family dominated pole-level composition (28%). The highest Important Value Index (IVI) was Santiria rubiginosa (36.09%) for trees and Gironniera nervosa (55.46%) for poles. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (Hâ€™) was 2.45 for trees and 2.53 for poles, with evenness values (E) of 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. The total biomass was 120.240 tons/ha, with stored carbon amounting to 55.310 tons C/ha. To better estimate carbon storage potential, further research should cover larger areas and include biomass components like litter and dead wood.

Isolation and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) With Potential As Probiotics From Shrimp Paste Tanjungbalai Asahan

niva tahyat, Rasyidah, Ulfayani Mayasari — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Terasi or belacan is an example of a fermented product from shrimp that involves lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are a group of gram-positive bacteria that have the ability to produce antagonistic molecules that can be used as antibacterial probiotics and preservatives. This study was conducted to determine the presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) which might detect shrimp paste in Tanjungbalai and to the antibacterial activity. This study uses descriptive data analysis, which begins with isolation and characterization by carrying out gram staining and biochemical tests and then continuing with a probiotic potency test which includes a test to acidity (pH) and a test of phatogenic antibacterial activity. Isolations and characterization of LAB produced 6 isolates in the form of coccus, the edges of the colony were whole or flat, the elevation was flat or milky white in color. Meanwhile, the cell morpholgy of 6 LAB isolates was in the form of bacilli, gram positive and monobacillary arrangement. Characterization based on biochemical tests found isolates belonging to the genus Pediococcus, Weisella and Lactobacillus. The results of probiotic tests of 6 isolates were expressed with gastric acid conditions (pH 2.5-3) and had phatogenic antibacterial activity which was marked by the fomation of an inhibition against 2 Escherichia coli test bacteria with the largest inhibition zone size being 8.95 mm while Staphylococcus aureus with the largest inhibition zone size was 12.6 mm. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that LAB from Tanjungbalai shrimp paste has potential as a probiotic because the six isolates obtained met the requirements of bacteria as probiotics, namely being able to withstand acidic conditions and having phatogenic antibacterial activity.

Unveiling the Enigmatic CYP3A4 Enzyme : A Literature Review

Daniel S. Pandapotan Saragih, Muhammad Ichwan — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is a crucial enzyme in the human body, primarily responsible for endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, including many commonly prescribed medications. It plays a pivotal role in the biotransformation of more than 50% of drugs. But the high frequency of genetic polymorphisms in the CYP3A4 gene contributes to significant interindividual variability in enzyme activity. These genetic variations can affect drug metabolism rates, leading to altered pharmacokinetics and necessitating dose adjustments for certain medications, particularly in populations with different allele frequencies. The impact of these genetic variants can vary significantly across different ethnicities, highlighting the importance of pharmacogenetic testing in personalized medicine. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive study examining this variability across different ethnicities. This review will help understand these genetic differences across population and ethnicity to allow healthcare providers to tailor drug therapies to individual genetic profiles, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.

Assessing Environmental Drivers of the Distribution of the Rare Species Johannesteijsmannia altifrons: a literature review

Etti Sartina Siregar, Aulia Juanda Djaingsastro — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Johannesteijsmannia altifrons, a palm species exhibits unique dispersal mechanisms and distribution patterns that are critical to understanding its ecological dynamics. Dispersal has a significant impact on this species' spatial distribution and population dynamics. The distribution is significantly influenced by altitude, which affects its growth and habitat suitability. Publications and references in this analysis came from scientific articles published in bibliographic databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar. The keyword search used was â€œJohannesteijsmannia altifronsâ€. The authors examined the literature related to the subject of the systematic review, assessed methodological rigor, analyzed the results being reported in the selected studies. Condensed and organized the data before incorporating the findings into a comprehensive systematic review in narrative form. The distribution of J. altifrons in Indonesia is mainly in the Sumatra region, especially in the Northern and Central parts of the island. Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (TNGL), Bukit Bungkuk Nature Reserve Forest and the surrounding lowland forests are good habitats. This species has habitat suitability at range elevations 20-500 meters (asl), very steep slopes (â‰¥ 45%). Optimal growth occurs under tree canopies, which provide the necessary shade for the plant to thrive. This suggests a specific habitat preference that influences its distribution

The Anti-inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil from the Peel of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) In vitro

Yanti Yemima Yanti Yemima — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Inflammation is a defense response of the body to injury or infection caused by foreign substances entering the body. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. The essential oil from the peel of Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) was isolated using microwave-assisted extraction. The essential oil was tested in vitro for cell viability in RAW 264.7 cells using the MTT assay and for the inhibition of NO production using the Griess assay, which was induced by LPS. The results showed that the viability of RAW 264.7 cells treated with the essential oil from Kaffir lime peel at concentrations of 1.56 and 0.78 Âµg/mL exhibited a cell viability percentage of >90% (90.29 Â± 5.19; 92.71 Â± 3.28). The NO production inhibition assay showed that the essential oil at concentrations of 1.56 and 0.87 Âµg/mL reduced NO levels in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS (9.58 Â± 0.38; 10.16 Â± 0.49). These concentrations of essential oil (1.56 and 0.78 Âµg/mL) were significantly different from the lipopolysaccharide control. Therefore, the essential oil from Kaffir lime peel demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity.

Centella asiatica: Alzheimer's Neuroprotective

Riska Wahyuni, Suriwahyuni, Annisa Hazrina Saif, Melva Silitonga — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Centella asiatica (CA) in Indonesia is known as gotu kola plant which is known to have many compounds contained in it, such as Asiatic acid, madecassic acid (6-hydroxyacetic acid), asiaticoside, madecassoside, betulinic acid, thankunic acid, and isothankunic acid. This study is to determine the benefits of CA triterpenoid bioactive content and the mechanism of CA as a neuropretective against alzheimer's disease. This research used the literature study method by searching online data on various types of article publications and selected according to the PRISMA method. From the literature collected, it was found that CA has the ability as a neoroprotective against Alzheimer's disease. This is because triterpenoid compounds with the bioactive content of asiaticoside, madecid acid, and asiatic acid play a role in inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase which can act as a neuroprotective in the brain by reducing ROS production which can then restore mitochondrial dysfunction and can improve nerve function in Alzheimer's disease.

The Role of cortisol in the stress response

anliana, Henry Panguhutan Sitorus, Melva Silitonga — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Stress is a physiological and psychological response triggered by internal or external stressors that challenge the body's homeostasis. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, plays a pivotal role in modulating this response. Its primary function is to mobilize energy, regulate inflammation, and enhance cognitive processes during acute stress. While cortisol facilitates adaptation by suppressing overactive immune responses and ensuring resource availability, its prolonged elevation can lead to detrimental effects, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairments. Conversely, inadequate cortisol production disrupts the bodyâ€™s ability to manage stress, resulting in conditions like fatigue, hypotension, and impaired recovery. This study explores the dynamic relationship between stress and cortisol, emphasizing how balanced cortisol levels contribute to stress resolution and homeostasis restoration. Understanding cortisolâ€™s dual role provides insights into its potential therapeutic applications for managing stress-related disorders.

Hematological and Biochemical Alterations of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium Dc) with Doxorubicin Induced in White Wistar Rat

Andre Prayoga; Aminah Dalimunthe; Zumaira, Emil Salim — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Doxorubicin, a well-known chemotherapy drug, is associated with cardiac toxicity primarily due to oxidative stress. This oxidative stress leads to the production of reactive oxygen species and a subsequent decline in antioxidant levels. As doxorubicin induces the formation of free radicals and decreases endogenous antioxidants, it triggers various hematological and biochemical abnormalities. Consequently, the use of antioxidants has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate this damage. This study focuses on the administration of ethanol extract from Andaliman (EAF) fruit, recognized for its rich array of metabolites and antioxidant properties, which may serve as a cardioprotective agent against the adverse effects of doxorubicin. The research involved comprehensive observations, including hematological and clinical chemistry examinations. The findings indicate that EAF demonstrates protective effects by enhancing hematological and clinical chemistry parameters in male Wistar rats subjected to doxorubicin. Notably, these improvements were statistically significant when compared to the control group. Given its promising results, further exploration of EAF as a protective agent for hematological and biochemical health warrants attention and development.

Effect etanol extract of senduduk leaves (melastoma malabathricum L.) On SGPT and SGOT levels in white rats induced with Monosodium Glutamate

Nurul Rahmadani, Husnarika Febriani, Melfa Aisyah Hutasuhut — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) has caused a lot of controversy because people think that overuse of MSG may have adverse effects on health. Prolonged consumption of MSG and excessive amounts can cause an imbalance between antioxidants that will disrupt liver function characterised byeinicreased lievelseoif !iSer.um Gliutamic Oxialoacetic Train.saminasee (Si.G.OT) and Seirum Gilutamic PyiruvateeTra.nsiaminasee (SiG.PT) in the bloodstream. The negative effects of MSG can be prevented by reducing MSG consumption and utilising herbal plants such as senduduk leaves. This experiment wants to measure the effect of senduduk le.af e.xtract o.n the number o.f S.GPT and SGOT due to MSG. This study used experimental research for 14 days with 20 male white rats with 5 treatment groups. K- without treatment. K+ was given MSG 100 mg/kgBW (morning), P1, P2, and P3 were given MSG 100 m!g/kgBW (morning) and senduduk leaf extract (P1 = 150, P2 = 200, P3 = 250 m.gi./ .k.g BiW) (afternoon). Theestages inethisestudy include phytochemical screening, observation of hepatic morphology and observation of SGPT and SGOT levels. Blood collection through the orbital sinus. Data analysis used o.neewi.ay anio.va ain.d diu.ncan'sef.ur.th.er t.esit. The optimal dose to improve the amount of SGPT and SGOT due to MSG induction is group P3 wiith a d.os.eeoif 250 m.gi./ .kig BiW.

The Role of Aspirin in the Prevention of Preeclampsia (A Mini Review)

Teguh Firdaus, Syafruddin Ilyas — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low-dose aspirin has been widely studied as a preventive measure for pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. This paper explores the role of aspirin in preventing preeclampsia, its mechanisms of action, and the effectiveness of different dosages and administration times. Studies have shown that aspirin, when taken before 16 weeks of gestation at a dosage of at least 100 mg per day, significantly reduces the risk of severe and early-onset preeclampsia. However, adherence to aspirin therapy remains a challenge, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Increased education and healthcare access are crucial to optimizing the benefits of aspirin in preventing preeclampsia.