Depok, January 9, 2025 – The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia (FFUI) has successfully held an Open Doctoral Promotion Defense for Dr. apt. Nita Triadisti, M.Farm., who successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Study of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Compounds, α-Glucosidase, Antioxidants and Glucose Uptake Activity in HepG2 Cells from Uncaria sclerophylla” . This defense was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the Grand Meeting Room of the FFUI Postgraduate Building, UI Depok Campus.
The dissertation submitted by Dr. apt. Nita Triadisti, M.Farm. focuses on the potential of the Uncaria sclerophylla (Kait-Kait) plant, known as a traditional medicinal plant widely used by the people of Tabalong, 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.
Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge, with a steadily increasing incidence. According to 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 rise. In Indonesia, the prevalence of diabetes is predicted to increase significantly, making the country one of the countries with the highest incidence rates in the world.
In her research, Dr. Nita succeeded in isolating four secondary metabolite compounds from the methanol extract of Uncaria sclerophylla leaves , namely Urs-12-en-3-ol, Rinkofilin, Catechin, and Methyl 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoate. These 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 clarified the potential of these compounds in the treatment of diabetes.
"The results of this study indicate that Uncaria sclerophylla has great potential for further development as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The isolated and tested compounds have the potential to reduce diabetes symptoms and improve glucose management in the body," said Dr. Nita in explaining the findings in her dissertation.
The Chair of the Session, Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar, M.Sc., expressed his appreciation for Dr. Nita's research results and stated, "With all the contributions made in the fields of pharmacy and health, I am proud to announce that Ms. Nita Triadisti graduated with summa cum laude honors . This research opens new avenues in the development of natural-based therapies that have great potential for the treatment of diabetes mellitus."
The promoter, Prof. Dr. apt. Berna Elya, M.Si., expressed her pride in the success of this dissertation, "The research conducted by Dr. Nita not only enriches the world of pharmacy, but also demonstrates the importance of exploring natural ingredients as potential sources 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."
This open session was also attended by Co-promoter 1, namely Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hanafi, M.Sc., Co-promoter 2, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Najihah binti Mohd Hashim., as well as a number of other examiners, including Prof. Dr. apt. Hayun, M.Si., Prof. Dr. apt. Irda Fidrianny, M.Si., and Dr. apt. Heri Setiawan, M.Sc., CertDA. who provided valuable input for the further development of this research.
With the research results from Dr. Nita, it is hoped that Uncaria sclerophylla will be better known as a traditional medicinal plant that has the potential to help treat diabetes mellitus, as well as open up opportunities for the development of more innovative and efficient natural-based medicines.