Ratih Asmana Ningrum's scientific contributions

Xanthorrhizol, an important marker of Curcuma xanthorrhiza, has been recognized for its different pharmacological activities. A green strategy for selective xanthorrhizol extraction is required. Herein, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) based on glucose and organic acids (lactic acid, malic acid, and citric acid) were screened for the extraction of xanthorrhizol from Curcuma xanthorrhiza. Ultrasound-assisted extraction using glucose/lactic acid (1:3) (GluLA) gave the best yield of xanthorrhizol. The response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken Design was used to optimize the interacting variables of water content, solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio, and extraction to optimize the extraction. The optimum conditions of 30% water content in GluLA, 1/15 g/mL (S/L), and a 20 min extraction time yielded selective xanthorrhizol extraction (17.62 mg/g) over curcuminoids (6.64 mg/g). This study indicates the protective effect of GluLA and GluLA extracts against oxidation-induced DNA damage, which was comparable with those obtained for ethanol extract. In addition, the stability of the xanthorrhizol extract over 90 days was revealed when stored at −20 and 4 °C. The FTIR and NMR spectra confirmed the hydrogen bond formation in GluLA. Our study reported, for the first time, the feasibility of using glucose/lactic acid (1:3, 30% water v/v) for the sustainable extraction of xanthorrhizol.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less is traditionally utilized to treat postpartum women in Indonesia. The plant has many pharmacological properties, so that it can be further developed as herbal medicine. In that development process, plant authentication is needed to ensure the quality of raw materials. A simple microscopical and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis might be a way to authenticate the plant, but it has never been reported. So, this study evaluates the microscopical and TLC analysis for P. indica authentication in standardized herbal medicines production. Plant microscopic observation, fluorescence analysis, and polyphenol screening were conducted. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of plant organs were then analyzed by TLC. Here, we reported that in microscopical analysis the simplicia of P. indica contains trichomes and tannin-containing cells. In addition, chlorogenic acid as a marker was present in TLC analysis by ethyl acetate-water-formic acid-acetic acid (8.5:1.5:1:1, v/v). The results of this evaluation might provide additional information in the identification, authentication, and quality control of P. indica as a raw material for herbal medicine.