Research of Scientia Naturalis

A Computational Study of the Molecular Docking of Bioactive Compounds from Indonesian Medicinal Plants

2025-10-28T00:10:47+07:00

The growing interest in natural products as a source of bioactive compounds has led to the exploration of medicinal plants for their therapeutic potentials. Indonesia, with its rich biodiversity, is home to numerous medicinal plants, many of which have yet to be fully explored for their pharmacological activity. This research investigates the molecular docking of bioactive compounds derived from Indonesian medicinal plants to assess their potential interactions with various therapeutic targets. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the binding affinities and interactions of these compounds with proteins involved in diseases such as cancer and microbial infections. Using molecular docking simulations, a range of bioactive compounds were tested for their binding potential against selected targets. The findings revealed several promising compounds with high binding affinity and stability, indicating their potential as lead candidates for drug development. This computational study highlights the significant therapeutic potential of Indonesian medicinal plants and provides a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The results suggest that these natural products could contribute to the development of novel pharmacological agents, particularly in the fight against cancer and infections.

A Metagenomic Analysis of the Gut Microbiota in the Komodo Dragon (Varanus Komodoensis) and its Role in Digestion and Immunity

2025-12-20T19:28:45+07:00

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest living lizard, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Understanding its gut microbiota is essential for assessing its digestive efficiency and immune function, yet little is known about the microbial communities within its gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to analyze the gut microbiota of wild and captive Komodo dragons using metagenomic sequencing and to explore its role in digestion and immunity. Fecal and gut content samples were collected from 12 wild and 10 captive Komodo dragons. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the microbial diversity. The results revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between wild and captive individuals, with wild dragons displaying higher microbial diversity. Dominant phyla in wild Komodo dragons included Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while Escherichia and Klebsiella were more prevalent in captive individuals. Additionally, microbial diversity was positively correlated with immune-related gene expression, suggesting that the microbiota plays a role in immune modulation. These findings highlight the importance of diet and environmental factors in shaping the gut microbiota, with implications for conservation and breeding programs. Further research should focus on functional profiling and exploring other microbial groups to fully understand the microbiome's impact on health

Photocatalytic Degradation of Batik Dye Effluents Using Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods Synthesized Via a Green Chemistry Approach

2025-12-20T19:38:53+07:00

The discharge of batik dye effluents into water bodies is a significant environmental concern, as it contains toxic azo dyes that are difficult to degrade. Traditional methods for dye removal, such as chemical oxidation and adsorption, often have limitations in terms of cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. This study aims to investigate the photocatalytic degradation of batik dye effluents using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods synthesized through a green chemistry approach. ZnO nanorods were synthesized using natural plant extracts as reducing agents, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized ZnO nanorods was evaluated by exposing them to batik dye effluents under UV light. The effects of parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, and UV exposure time were studied. The results showed that ZnO nanorods exhibited significant degradation of the dye, with optimal performance achieved at pH 5, a catalyst dosage of 0.2 g, and 120 minutes of UV exposure. The nanorods demonstrated high reusability, making them suitable for long-term application in wastewater treatment. This study highlights the potential of ZnO nanorods synthesized via green chemistry as an efficient, eco-friendly solution for treating batik dye effluents, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment methods.

The Ecological Impact of Volcanic Ash Deposition from Mount Semeru’s Eruption on Soil Microbial Communities and Plant Succession

2025-10-28T00:14:54+07:00

Volcanic eruptions are powerful geological events that drastically alter terrestrial ecosystems, yet the specific ecological recovery mechanisms, particularly the interplay between soil microbiology and vegetation, remain underexplored. The recent eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia deposited significant layers of volcanic ash, creating a unique natural laboratory to study primary succession. This research aimed to analyze the ecological impact of this ash deposition on the composition of soil microbial communities and the subsequent patterns of plant succession in the affected areas. The study employed a field survey method across a gradient of ash deposition thickness. Soil samples were collected for DNA metabarcoding to analyze bacterial and fungal community structures, while vegetation quadrats were established to monitor plant species recolonization and growth over a 12-month period. The results revealed a significant initial reduction in microbial diversity in heavily impacted soils, with a subsequent shift towards communities dominated by stress-tolerant, chemoautotrophic bacteria. This altered microbial landscape was strongly correlated with the emergence of pioneer plant species adapted to nutrient-poor volcanic substrates. The study concludes that volcanic ash deposition fundamentally resets soil microbial ecosystems, and this shift is a critical determining factor that directly governs the trajectory and composition of early-stage plant succession.

Development of a Mycoherbicide for the Biological Control of The Invasive Weed “Mikania Micrantha” in Indonesian National Parks.

2025-12-20T19:32:56+07:00

Mikania micrantha, an invasive weed, poses significant ecological threats in Indonesian national parks, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. Traditional control methods, such as chemical herbicides, have proven inefficient and harmful to surrounding biodiversity. This study aimed to develop a fungal-based mycoherbicide to provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution for controlling Mikania micrantha. The research isolated and tested indigenous fungal strains for their mycoherbicidal properties against Mikania micrantha in two national parks: Bukit Barisan Selatan and Gunung Leuser. Field trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of the selected fungal strain on weed density and biomass reduction. The results demonstrated that the mycoherbicide significantly reduced Mikania micrantha density (54%) and biomass (60%) in treated quadrats compared to untreated controls. The treatment was more effective in wetter conditions, where fungal spore germination and plant infection were enhanced. These findings suggest that mycoherbicides can effectively control Mikania micrantha while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional herbicides. This study highlights the potential for fungal-based biocontrol methods as a viable tool in invasive species management. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and scalability of this mycoherbicide for broader applications in tropical ecosystems.

Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis) Based on Environmental DNA

2025-12-20T19:23:36+07:00

The Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) remains one of the world’s most critically endangered mammals, and its rapid population decline has raised urgent concerns regarding the species’ genetic viability. Preserving its remaining genetic diversity is essential for designing effective conservation strategies, yet conventional sampling methods are invasive and logistically challenging. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Sumatran rhinos using environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from peatland wallows and forest water sources across protected habitats. A combination of high-throughput sequencing, mitochondrial marker amplification, and Bayesian phylogenetic modeling was employed to reconstruct lineage structure and assess haplotype variability. The results reveal low overall genetic diversity but clear geographical clustering among northern and southern populations, suggesting historical isolation and limited gene flow. Several rare haplotypes were detected exclusively through eDNA, indicating that non-invasive molecular surveillance can uncover cryptic genetic signatures not captured by traditional methods. These findings highlight the species’ heightened risk of inbreeding and the need for genetically informed translocation or assisted reproduction programs. The study concludes that eDNA-based monitoring provides a robust, scalable tool for guiding long-term conservation management of D. sumatrensis

Synthesis and Characterization of a Graphene Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposite for the Adsorption of Heavy Metals From Industrial Wastewater

2025-12-20T19:35:40+07:00

The contamination of industrial wastewater with heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) poses a significant environmental threat, requiring effective removal methods. Traditional water treatment techniques often suffer from inefficiency and environmental harm. This study aims to synthesize and characterize a graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposite for the efficient adsorption of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. Graphene oxide (GO) was combined with chitosan to form the nanocomposite, which was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The adsorption capacity was evaluated through batch experiments using simulated industrial wastewater, and the effects of pH, contact time, and metal concentration on adsorption were examined. The results showed that the nanocomposite demonstrated excellent adsorption efficiency, with the highest removal rate observed for Pb, followed by Cd and Cr. The adsorption capacity was significantly influenced by pH, with optimal performance at pH 5. The nanocomposite exhibited high metal removal efficiency and stability, indicating its potential as an eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment. This study highlights the potential of graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposites as effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional treatment methods.