Indonesian Journal of Life Sciences

In-Silico Study of Diphenhydramine and Orphenadrine Binding Affinities to H1 and NMDA Receptors: Implications for Pharmacological Effects

Andrea Dhieta Utama — 2025-03-19

Diphenhydramine and orphenadrine are oral drugs designed to possess different functional groups that affect H1 and NMDA receptors, although for different purposes. This study compares their binding affinities with the two receptors to investigate whether it influences the differing pharmacological effects exerted. This could help better understand the mechanisms, benefits, and risks of the drugs. The physicochemical properties were analyzed using Swiss-ADME, while the binding affinities were tested by molecular docking with PyRx. Lastly, visualization and analysis were done using the BIOVIA Drug Discovery Studio. The result suggests that both drugs have the same affinity for H1 receptors, however, orphenadrine has a slightly higher affinity to NMDA than diphenhydramine. This finding suggests that the binding ability and affinity of orphenadrine to NMDA is the factor of its pharmacological effect difference compared to diphenhydramine. Moreover, the difference in the functional group possessed by the two drugs will make a difference in their absorption and distribution.

The Potential of Foxtail Millet as a Carbohydrate-Based Indonesian Local Functional Food

Andrea Natasha Candra — 2025-03-19

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is a round-shaped cereal grain varied in colors and sizes and is part of the Poaceae family alongside sorghum and maize. It is one of the most extensively cultivated crops in Asia and Africa, as well as in several other developing countries. In 2014 alone, Asia and Africa produced 95% of the total global foxtail millet yield. Foxtail Millet itself is a good source of bioactive compounds such as minerals, phenolic compounds, amino acids, dietary fibers, carotenoids, sterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phytic acids, tocols, and anti-nutritive compounds. Due to these reasons, foxtail millet has several health benefits such as antioxidant activity, anti-hyperglycemic effects, anti-cholesterol effects, anti-hypertensive effects, and anthropometric effects. It has been mentioned that fox millet contains antioxidants, metal chelators, and reductants in the soluble and insoluble phenolic extracts which are beneficial as natural antioxidant sources. In animals, foxtail millet has also been proven to be safe and its benefit has been proven, specifically in terms of its gastroprotective effect. However, foxtail millet might cause an allergic reaction in humans due to cross-reactivity among different grains. Hence, the safety and efficacy of foxtail millet should be studied further. However, potentially, foxtail millet could be incorporated into a variety of aspects of the food industry. One of the functions is that it can be used to incorporate the flour in order to increase the nutritional properties, such as the mineral and fiber content of the flour itself.

Canna (Canna edulis) Flour's Properties as Indonesian Functional Food to Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk

Jessica Natalie Santoso — 2025-03-19

The imbalanced food supply in Indonesia has posed a significant challenge. The utilization of canna (Canna Edulis) starch can act as a potential solution, enabling society to consume a more diverse variety of commodities rather than relying solely on rice. Canna, an underutilized tuber, is rich in resistant starch and bioactive compounds, showing potential in tackling dietary and health issues. Despite its high glycemic index, efforts to modify canna starch into resistant starch aim to enhance its health benefits by improving blood sugar control and gut health. This paper aims to introduce ganyong (Canna edulis) starch as a versatile alternative to rice or wheat for carbohydrates, which also highlights the urgent need to address and prevent the high prevalence of colorectal cancer in society by the role of bioactivity and mechanisms of action of canna starch. The applications of canna starch in the food industry such as ginger bangket biscuits, cendol, and cookies, is discussed to highlight its potential as a substitute for traditional starch sources, along with its sensory attributes. Although limitations are acknowledged, continued research and development in processing techniques are essential to unlock the full potential of canna starch and its application in addressing food security and health challenges.

Importance of WASH Interventions in Tackling Stunting and Wasting Problems in Children

Steffany Soegijanto — 2025-03-19

Child malnutrition is a serious health condition caused by insufficient or excessive consumption of calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Poor sanitation, hygiene, and viral infections directly related to malnutrition, which also correlated with stunting and wasting. UNICEF and WHO work globally to combat malnutrition, especially stunting and wasting, by implementing WASH programs to minimize diarrheal illnesses and improve nutritional status. Despite encouraging results, WASH interventions face several limitations such as resource demand and adaptation to unforeseen circumstances. Some recommendations for future programs include combining WASH with nutritional education, growth tracking, community engagement, and supplements for better results. To alleviate stunting in children, infrastructure, hygiene education, and public cleanliness should be improved. Taking a holistic approach to physical and cognitive development is essential to solving the complicated issue of child malnutrition, especially in Indonesia.

Exploring Hemophilia: Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms, Diagnostic Strategies, and Therapeutic Advances

Michelle Danisa — 2025-03-19

Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder resulting in impaired blood clotting upon vascular damage due to defective or deficient coagulation factors. The three types of hemophilia are hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and hemophilia C, which result from the defect or deficiency of factor VIII, factor IX, and factor XI respectively. Hemophilia affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, with the highest incidence in Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. This review encompasses the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment for hemophilia, and the literature sources were collected from other publications, including journal articles and books.