Djarot Sasongko Hami Seno

In Silico Analysis of Curcuma longa Against PCAF Histon Asetiltransferase

Curcumin turmeric (C. longa) has been found capable of inhibiting p300/CBP associated factor (PCAF) histone asetyltransferase (HAT) as a cancer biomarker. However, the molecular mechanism of inhibition is unkown. This study is aimed to analyse the molecular inhibition mechanisms by in silico method. The analysis showed that curcumin’s Gibbs free energy (ΔG) was stable and capable of binding amino acid residues believed to be active site of PCAF HAT. Curcumin is predicted to be a PCAF HAT inhibitor, and further in vitro analysis is required.

Identification of Aroma Gene (Mutated badh 2) and Properties of Aroma on Aromatic BC 5 F 2 Ciherang

Aromatic rice varieties have some weaknesses such as low productivity, and less resistant to pests and diseases. This study aimed to obtain homozygous strain of BC 5 F 2 Ciherang aromatic through the identification of aroma gene (mutated badh2) and properties of the aroma. Ciherang paddy (nonaromatic paddy) was used as the female parent, whereas Mentik Wangi paddy (aromatic paddy) was used as the male parent. The experiment was conducted in BC 5 F 2 because it is expected to generate plants with properties 98.4% close to female parent. The DNA from five strains of paddy plants BC 5 F 2 Ciherang X Mentik Wangi was isolated by a modified CTAB method. The concentration of DNA was determined by measuring absorbance at 260 nm wavelength, while its purity was determined from the ratio of the absorbance at a wavelength of 260/280 nm. PCR-based molecular selection was done by using the Bradbury primers. PCR results showed that of the 250 samples, there were 66 samples had DNA fragment of the same size as that of Mentik Wangi, i.e. 257 bp, 67 samples had the same size as the DNA fragment of Ciherang, i.e. 355 bp, and 117 samples had the same size with the both of DNA fragments, i.e. 257 bp and 355 bp. Plants with amplified 257 bp DNA fragment was subjected to leaf aroma test using 1.7% KOH. The results showed that 42 positive samples, out of 66 samples. Samples positive on leaf aroma test were tested again on rice aroma test. Rice aroma test results showed the majority (85.4%) samples that are positive on leaf aroma test is also positive on the rice aroma test.

The Activity of Wungu Leaf ( Graptophyllum pictum (L) Griff) Extract in Reducing Blood Glucose Level of Hyperglycemic Mice

Wungu leaf (Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff) is a plant thought to have potential use in alleviating symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the activity of wungu leaf extracts in decreasing blood glucose level of alloxan (200 mg/kg BW)-induced hyperglycemic mice. Extracts of wungu leaf were obtained by macerating with ethanol and then partitioning the extract with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Each extract obtained was used to treat hyperglycemic mice for 28 days. The results showed that wungu leaf extracts have the ability to decrease the blood glucose level of hyperglycemic mice (dose 50 mg/kg BW). The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest activity, bringing about a decrease of blood glucose of 37.6 %. The wungu leaf extract has the potential to be developed as a source of anti-diabetic agents.