FK-KMK UGM. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of death and a serious threat to global health. In 2019, the prevalence of DM reached 433 million people, or approximately 9.3% of the world’s population. The International Diabetes Federation projected in 2021 that the prevalence of DM will continue to increase, reaching around 10.2% by 2030 and 10.9% by 2045.

Rita Rakhmawati, S.Farm., M.Si., apt., addressed this issue in her dissertation titled “Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Active Compounds in Ciplukan Herb (Physalis angulata L.) Monitored by Glucose Consumption Assay: Isolation and Identification, Molecular Docking, and Exploration of Its Mechanism on Myoblast Cells.”

The Ciplukan herb (Physalis angulata L.) is known as an anti-diabetic agent, rich in antioxidants such as unsaturated fatty acids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, steroids, and terpenoids.

Thanks to this research, Rita earned her doctoral degree after defending her dissertation in an open doctoral examination at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), led by Prof. dr. Adi Utarini, M.Sc., MPH, Ph.D., on Tuesday (17/9) at the Tahir Foundation Auditorium, FK-KMK UGM.

The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. apt. Mae Sri Hartati Wahyuningsih, M.Si., Prof. Dr. apt. Mustofa, M.Kes., and Dr. Ahmad Hamim Sadewa, Ph.D., with examiners Dr. Dwi Aris Agung N., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. rer. nat. apt. Arko Jatmiko W., M.Sc., Dr. rer. nat. apt. Nanang Fakhrudin, M.Si., and Prof. Drs. Jumina, Ph.D., as internal examiners (FK-KMK UGM), as well as Prof. Dr. apt. Gemini Alam, M.Si., as the external examiner from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin.

“Rita is a diligent, persistent, and hardworking student with an excellent work ethic. Her research contributes to the development of natural-based medicines, particularly anti-diabetic drugs,” emphasized Prof. Mae.

Rita explained that her search for active compounds in natural ingredients was guided by bioassays on active compounds in the Ciplukan herb (Physalis angulata L.). This scientific endeavor aims to explore the pharmacological anti-diabetic activity of the herb.

“This research can be further developed and collaborated with various parties, as it is a discovery that is just beginning to be explored,” concluded apt. Arko.

As a form of appreciation, Dr. Dwi added that this discovery has a unique advantage in detecting diabetes in less than 24 hours compared to the aptec assay. However, the bioassay-guided isolation method has limitations, including more complex laboratory techniques that require consistent replication.

The emergence of this new doctorate is a testament to FK-KMK UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). (Reporter: Isroq Adi Subakti)