Figure 1. Dr. Armansyah Maulana Harahap, S.Si., M.Biomed.
Depok, July 10, 2026 – The use of traditional medicinal plants continues to open up opportunities for developing natural-based therapeutic candidates. One example is demonstrated through research by Dr. Armansyah Maulana Harahap, S.Si., M.Biomed., who examined the potential of Sambang Colok (Iresine diffusa) as a candidate for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) for hormone-dependent breast cancer.
The research entitled "Potential of Sambang Colok (Iresine diffusa) as a Candidate for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) for Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer" was defended by Armansyah in the Open Doctoral Promotion Session of the Doctoral Study Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia (FFUI) on Thursday (9/7/2026).
Figure 2. Examining Team for Dr. Armansyah's Doctoral Promotion Examination.
The trial was led by Prof. apt. Silvia Surini, M.Pharm.Sc., Ph.D. as Chair of the trial. Armansyah's research was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Dr. apt. Anton Bahtiar, M.Biomed. as Promoter, and Dr. apt. Kurnia Agustini, M.Si. and Dr. apt. Sri Ningsih, M.Si. as Co-promoters. The Doctoral Promotion Trial also presented a team of examiners consisting of Dr. apt. Heri Setiawan, M.Sc., CertDA; Prof. Dr. apt. Abdul Mun'im, M.Si.; Dr. apt. Marissa Angelina, M.Farm.; and Dr. apt. Riris Istighfari Jenie, M.Si.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer with a high incidence, both globally and in Indonesia. Some cases of breast cancer are hormone-dependent, meaning estrogen plays a role in cancer cell growth. One therapy used for this type is SERMs, such as Tamoxifen.
However, the use of hormonal therapy poses challenges related to side effects, so research into more selective therapeutic candidates is ongoing. With this in mind, Dr. Armansyah explored Sambang Colok, a plant that has been empirically used by Indonesians as a medicinal plant.
Figure 3. Presentation of research results in Dr. Armansyah's dissertation.
"The use of Sambang Colok in the community became a starting point for me to further explore the scientific potential of this plant. Through this research, I want to obtain more comprehensive evidence regarding its activity, particularly in relation to hormone-dependent breast cancer and its potential as a candidate for natural-based SERMs," said Dr. Armansyah.
The ethyl acetate extract of Sambang Colok (EEASC) was then studied using three approaches: computational studies (in silico), cell testing (in vitro), and animal testing (in vivo). These approaches were used to obtain insights into compound interactions, activity against cancer cells, and responses in preclinical models.
The results of in silico studies show that kaempferol, one of the phytochemical compounds in Sambang Colok, has the potential to interact with estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2 as well as a number of proteins related to the growth cycle of breast cancer cells.
In vitro testing showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study also identified estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity characteristics under different hormonal conditions, which are important aspects in the study of SERM candidates.
The potential of Sambang Colok was further evaluated through in vivo testing. In animal models, administration of the extract did not show an excessive increase in endometrial thickness, as in response to estrogen administration. In the preventive group with the highest dose in the study, no tumor growth was observed, with a tumor incidence of 0 percent.
Dr. Armansyah emphasized that these results still require further research before they can be directed towards clinical application.
"This finding is certainly not the end of the research process. Our results provide the basis for further studies on safety, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and ingredient standardization. We hope that the potential of Indonesian natural ingredients can continue to be developed through a systematic, evidence-based scientific process," he added.
Figure 4. Chair of the Session, Prof. apt. Silvia Surini, M.Pharm.Sc., Ph.D.
Chair of the Session and Dean of FFUI, Prof. apt. Silvia Surini, M.Pharm.Sc., Ph.D., appreciated the research that highlighted the potential of Indonesian natural materials through a series of scientific approaches.
"Research on natural ingredients needs to be supported by strong scientific evidence to better understand their potential. Studies using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches provide a more comprehensive picture of Sambang Colok's potential and can serve as a basis for further research," said Silvia.
Figure 4. Promoter, Prof. Dr. apt. Anton Bahtiar, M.Biomed.
Meanwhile, Promoter Prof. Dr. apt. Anton Bahtiar, M.Biomed. assessed that Dr. Armansyah's research provided important scientific data in the exploration of Sambang Colok as a candidate for natural-based SERMs.
"This research provides important data regarding the potential of Sambang Colok as a natural-based SERM candidate. The preclinical findings provide opportunities for further research, particularly in understanding the mechanisms and developing more selective hormonal therapy candidates," said Anton.
Through this research, Dr. Armansyah demonstrated that empirical knowledge of medicinal plants can be further explored using modern pharmaceutical and biomedical approaches. The results of Sambang Colok's research are expected to form the basis for further studies in the development of natural-based hormone-dependent breast cancer therapy candidates.
Figure 6. Promovendus with the entire testing team.