UGM students are exploring jenitri fruit extract (Elaeocarpus sphaericus) to prevent acute kidney failure in children. This innovative research focuses on the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-senescence properties. The team is developing a nanoemulsion-based jelly drink to enhance its appeal and effectiveness.
goodnewsfromstudent.com – Amid rising concerns about the increasing number of children undergoing dialysis due to acute kidney failure, a team of students from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has turned to nature for a potential solution. The team is exploring the use of jenitri fruit (Elaeocarpus sphaericus) extract to prevent acute kidney failure in children.
Acute kidney failure in children, as highlighted by WHO data, has become a significant health issue in Indonesia, with over 300 cases reported in 2023 alone and a mortality rate exceeding 50%. This condition often results from the accumulation of senescent cells in the kidneys caused by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The UGM research team, comprising Kevin Lensrich, Rahma Aulia, Daniswara Nur Ramadhani, and Dzaki Hasan Nasrullah from the Faculty of Pharmacy, under the supervision of Dr. apt. Rumiyati, S.Si., M.Si., is investigating the potential of jenitri fruit extract as a preventive measure against this condition.
Team leader Kevin Lensrich explained that the jenitri fruit, found in Kebumen, Central Java, contains flavonoids with strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can prevent the buildup of free radicals and slow down cell aging processes.
“Our research has shown that the jenitri fruit has the potential to act as a nephroprotective agent, preventing acute kidney failure through its anti-senescence properties,” he said on Tuesday (30/7/2024).
Highlighting the novelty of their work, Kevin mentioned that there has been limited prior research on the anti-senescence activity of jenitri fruit extract.
“We aim to uncover the nephroprotective potential of this extract to combat acute kidney failure in children,” he added.
Rahma Aulia pointed out that while jenitri fruit’s antioxidant properties have been used in traditional medicine, typically in tea form, the active compounds’ polar nature results in low bioavailability.
“This issue can be addressed by formulating the jenitri fruit extract into a nanoemulsion, which offers improved stability and bioavailability,” she noted.
Daniswara Nur Ramadhani suggested that converting the nanoemulsion into a jelly drink could make it more appealing to children due to its enjoyable taste and texture. The research process began with ultrasonic extraction of the jenitri fruit.
The study proceeded with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the flavonoid content in the jenitri fruit, cytotoxicity testing of the extract on Vero cells as a kidney cell model, various antioxidant activity tests, anti-senescence effect testing on Vero cells, nanoemulsion formulation, and characterization of the nanoemulsion-based jelly drink.
“Our goal is to innovate continuously, developing formulations to prevent acute kidney failure in children,” Daniswara concluded.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/mahasiswa-ugm-kembangkan-potensi-ekstrak-buah-jenitri-untuk-mencegah-gagal-ginjal-pada-anak/
