Naniek Widyaningrum, Alda Rasni Dhea, Alina Nur Rofi, Thendi Abdul Arief, Willi Wahyu Timur

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles that affects more than 80% of adolescents and young adults. Conventional therapies such as antibiotics and topical retinoids have limitations in the form of resistance and irritation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L. ) has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities that make it a safe natural anti-acne candidate. The preliminary pre-post clinical study without a control group aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a 6% topical EGCG cream in improving inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Ten participants aged 17-50 years with active acne applied the cream twice daily in a total of six months. Lesion counts (papules, pustules, and comedones) were assessed monthly and analyzed using a paired t-test. Statistically significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions were observed from the first month and sustained through month five (p < 0.05). Mean papules decrease from 9.40 ± 5.97 to 3.0 ± 3.13, pustules from 1.70 ± 1.57 to 0, and comedones from 21.5 ± 10.76 to 4.20 ± 3.05. Safety was evaluated through clinical monitoring and irritation testing, with no significant adverse reaction reported. Although limited by the small sample size and absence of a comparator group, these findings suggest that topical EGCG cream demonstrates preliminary efficacy and good tolerability.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Rendi Pratama, Sainul Sainul

Low community participation resulting from centralistic leadership patterns remains a primary obstacle in village development, suggesting that the effective implementation of Law Number 6 of 2014 requires strengthening through inclusive leadership models. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the leadership pattern of the Village Head of Bulusari and the effectiveness of community empowerment programs in Central Lampung Regency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data gathered through in-depth interviews with key informants (the Village Head, hamlet heads, and residents), non-participant observation, and documentary studies, followed by a reductive-categorical analysis. The findings reveal that empowerment in Bulusari Village is manifested through both physical schemes (irrigation infrastructure and roads) and non-physical initiatives (nutritional health and youth development). The Village Head implements a progressive-participatory leadership style that integrates instructive, consultative, and participatory functions throughout every stage of policy-making. Nevertheless, community participation has not yet reached an optimal level due to structural barriers, specifically low collective awareness and village budget constraints. This research contributes to the development of village leadership models based on strengthening social capital as a prerequisite for village autonomy, in alignment with national regulatory mandates.

Kolaborasi Masyarakat

Elodie Melro, Carolina F. Jesus, Tomás Duarte, Andreia A. S. Alves, Filipe E. Antunes, Margarida Lindo, Daniel Ribeiro

This comparative screening study investigated how solvent polarity and extraction technique influence the recovery of bioactive compounds from four Portuguese native plants: Geranium robertianum (herb Robert), Olea europaea (olive leaves), Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) and Laurus nobilis (bay laurel). Maceration and Soxhlet extractions were performed using five solvents spanning a polarity range (methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and hexane), followed by colorimetric phytochemical screening and extraction-yield comparison; aqueous infusion and water-based Soxhlet extraction were also assessed. Among the organic solvents tested, methanol generally gave the highest extraction yields, whereas aqueous extraction showed species-dependent behavior; for example, infusion yields for olive leaves and rosemary ranged from approximately 26% to 34%, whereas water-based Soxhlet extraction of herb Robert exceeded 35%. Qualitative phytochemical assays indicated the broadest class-level detection in methanolic extracts, whereas tannins were not detected in ethanolic extracts and were only evidenced in bay laurel under less-polar conditions. GC–MS profiling of ethanolic extracts provided comparative species-dependent fingerprints dominated by fatty acid derivatives and terpenoid-related compounds within the analytical window of the method, with Soxhlet generally enhancing late-eluting hydrophobic metabolites; rosemary was enriched in phenolic diterpenes, herb Robert and olive leaves showed a stronger contribution of carbohydrate-related compounds, and bay laurel displayed a comparatively simpler lipid/terpenoid profile. These results provide a preliminary n exploratory comparative framework for future studies on extraction-condition selection basis for selecting extraction conditions according to plant matrix and analytical purpose.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Innocent Chukwujekwu Onunkwo, Mary Olire Edema, Christiana E. Ogwuche, Bamidele H. Akpeji

Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global challenge due to microbial enzymes that neutralize antibiotic efficacy, prompting the use of nanotechnology to enhance the therapeutic potential of plant properties. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were biosynthesized using a methanol extract of Cissus aralioides leaves obtained through Soxhlet extraction. Characterization via UV-vis, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM revealed a maximum absorption at 398 nm, a bandgap energy of 3.12 eV, and a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average particle size of 15.90 ± 2.81 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed essential chemical groups (C-H, C=O, O-H), while SEM and EDX showed rough surfaces with a predominant zinc content of 80.76%. The antimicrobial potential of these ZnONPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 100–400 mg/mL. Results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the highest sensitivity observed against S. aureus (24.0 ± 0.01 mm), followed by C. albicans, E. coli, and Aspergillus sp., and an estimated minimum inhibitory concentration of 100–300 mg/mL. Consequently, this research highlights the potential of green-synthesized ZnONPs as a viable alternative for managing pathogenic microorganisms.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Faradina Setiorini, Achmad Khudori Soleh

The increasing reliance on digital technology in higher education has raised concerns about its potential impact on students’ academic behavior, particularly in relation to procrastination. Prolonged digital engagement may contribute to psychological exhaustion, which could interfere with students’ ability to effectively regulate their academic tasks. This study aimed to examine the association between digital burnout and academic procrastination among undergraduate students. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving undergraduate psychology students at Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. Data were collected using adapted and validated self-report instruments administered via an online survey. A total of valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The results indicated that most students experienced moderate levels of digital burnout (60%) and academic procrastination (53%). A significant positive correlation was found between digital burnout and academic procrastination (R = 0.615, R² = 0.378, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of digital burnout are associated with increased procrastination tendencies. These findings indicate that students experiencing greater digital fatigue may struggle more with initiating and completing academic tasks in a timely manner. In conclusion, digital burnout appears to be an important factor associated with academic procrastination, although it should be understood within a broader, multifactorial framework. Additional variables such as motivation, self-regulation, and learning environment may also play meaningful roles in shaping procrastination behavior. Further research using longitudinal or experimental approaches is recommended to better understand the directionality and underlying mechanisms of this relationship across diverse student populations and educational contexts globally.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Husna Zakiyatul Habibah, Wakhid Musthofa

Health-related behaviors among university students have become an increasing concern, particularly among student activists who face substantial academic and organizational demands. Individual characteristics, including personality traits, may be associated with variations in health-related behaviors within this population. This study aimed to examine the association between conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors among student activists at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving 230 undergraduate student activists selected through cluster random sampling from campus-based student organizations (UKK/UKM). Data were collected using the conscientiousness subscale of the Big Five Inventory and a Healthy Living Behavior Scale, both of which demonstrated adequate internal consistency in the present sample. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s product–moment correlation. The results indicated a statistically significant positive association between conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors (r = 0.456, p < 0.001), reflecting a moderate relationship. Descriptive analysis showed that most respondents fell within the moderate category for both conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors, based on mean and standard deviation criteria. These findings indicate that conscientiousness is meaningfully associated with healthier lifestyle practices among student activists, although the cross-sectional design does not permit causal inference. The results underscore the importance of considering personality traits alongside other psychological and contextual factors when examining health-related behaviors in student populations.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Arun Dev Sharma, Inderjeet Kaur, Amrita Chauhan

Chamaedorea seifrizii is an ornamental plant with limited documented pharmacological properties. Peptidoglycan editing factor (PdeF), a bacterial cytoplasmic amidase, plays a critical role in peptidoglycan biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall, making it a promising antibacterial target. This study investigated the chemical profiling and in-silico analysis of phytocomponents derived from methanol fruit extracts (CFME) of wild-growing C. seifrizii targeting PdeF proteins, followed by in vitro antibacterial validation. The chemical profile of CFME was examined using gas chromatography with flampe ionization detection (GC-FID). Molecular simulation studies were performed using docking tool Cb-dock2 against bacterial PdeF. In vitro activity was validated against Gram-negative strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 40), and Gram-positive strains, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) and Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121). GC-FID analysis identified osthole (12.28%) as the major phytocompound in the extract. Docking of osthole against PdeF showed binding energy of -6.8 kcal/mol, indicating moderate affinity, with the complex stabilized through hydrogen bonding, alkyl and pi-alkyl interactions. In vitro experiments confirmed effective bacterial growth inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 2 mm to 17 mm, compared to reference antibiotic yielding nil to 15 mm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on bioactive components from C. seifrizii  fruit methanol extracts with antibacterial activity targeting PdeF through a combined in vitro and in-silico approach. These findings highlight the potential of C. seifrizii  as an antibacterial agent, underscoring the need for further compound-level characterization and safety assessment for applications in pharmaceutical industries.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Malavika J, Athira P, Gayathri G, Slowmo M, Thenmozhi Krishnasamy

This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and nanobiotechnological applications of Oxalis latifolia. Extractive yields varied significantly (p < 0.05), with ethanolic extracts of the stem and leaf providing the highest yields at 20.65% and 13.83%, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that ethanolic extracts were particularly rich in bioactive compounds, with the stem showing the highest total phenolic content (79.32 mg GAE/g) and total tannins (69.33 mg GAE/g), while the leaf contained 62.50 mg RE/g of flavonoids. These high concentrations correlated with potent antioxidant activity; the ethanolic leaf extract exhibited a DPPH scavenging IC₅₀ of 92.18 µg/mL, which was compared against the Ascorbic Acid positive control (IC₅₀ = 26.63 µg/mL). Furthermore, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully biosynthesized using the leaf extract, characterized by a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 405 nm and an average size of 56.68 nm. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory efficacy, achieving a maximum protein denaturation inhibition of 82.35% at 100 µg/mL (R² = 0.9993), compared to the Diclofenac Sodium control which reached 95.12%. These findings highlight the potential of O. latifolia as a sustainable source for functional nanomaterials.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Noudou Solitaire Bodrix, Malle Lando Armand, Mbazoa Djama Celine, Aponglen Ayimele Godfred, Wandji Jean, Taiwe Sotoing Germain, Ndinteh Tantoh Dereck, Talla Mangoua Rostan

A known peptide, Asperphenamate (1) and a labdane diterpenoid, Nepetaefuran (2) were isolated for the first time from the aerial parts of Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) Ait. f. (Lamiaceae) together with five known compounds: ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside and β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid and Apegenin-7-O-glycoside. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of mass spectrometry, NMR data and by the comparison with literature data. The dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract, the peptide and the labdane diterpenoid compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant effects on pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin or bicuculine induced convulsions in mice. All the tested treatments showed anticonvulsant effects on experimental models of epileptic seizures chemically induced in mice. Asperphenamate (1) (JW514) showed up to 100% protection of animals against convulsions, Nepetaefuran (2) (JW512) and the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract showed a maximum of 83.33% protection against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsions.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Selvi Megawati, Indah Woro Utami

Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone), the principal naphthoquinone of Lawsonia inermis, has attracted interest as a natural anti-inflammatory/analgesic lead that may offer a safer profile than long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This structured narrative review synthesises evidence from 14 accessible and highly relevant publications (prioritising 2020 onwards) to clarify the mechanistic basis of its analgesic potential. Direct evidence from preclinical studies indicates that lawsone produces anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects comparable to reference drugs and is associated with improved hepatic and renal markers at effective doses. Mechanistically, two experimentally supported axes predominate: (i) reduced prostaglandin biosynthesis, reflected by significant lowering of serum PGE2 and consistent with COX-2 modulation, and (ii) suppression of NF-κB signalling with downstream reductions in key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). In contrast, potential modulation of the P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7R) remains hypothetical, supported mainly by pharmacological and computational studies of structurally related 1, 4-naphthoquinone analogues that bind the P2X7R allosteric pocket and inhibit ATP-driven Ca2+ influx and macropore formation. Overall, the evidence positions lawsone as a promising multi-target preclinical scaffold while highlighting the need for direct P2X7R validation, protein-level pathway confirmation, and translational studies.

Sciences of Pharmacy