How to cite this article: Sukandar EY, Garmana AN, Aidasari AU, Crystalia AA. Antihypertensive activity of ethanol extract combination of Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) v. Steenis and Sonchus arvensis L. leaves on angiotensin II-induced male wistar rat. ABSTRACT:Hypertension is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease which is the leading cause of death. Traditionally, many plants are used to lower blood pressure including Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) v. Steenis and Sonchus arvensis L.. Previous studies found that both plants showed antihypertensive activity through inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme and inducing diuresis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) v. Steenis leaves extract (ACLE) and Sonchus arvensis L. leaves extract (SALE) combination on hypertensive animal induced with angiotensin II. In this study, blood pressure measurement was done using CODA® tail-cuff blood pressure system plethysmograph. After initial measurement of blood pressure, extracts were administered orally according to the respective groups as follow: ACLE 50, ACLE 100, SALE 50, SALE 100, ACLE-SALE 25-25, and ACLE-SALE 50-50 mg/kg bw. After 1 hour, angiotensin II 100 µg/kg bw was administered then the blood pressure was re-measured. ACLE 50 and ACLE-SALE 25-25 mg/kg bw were able to significantly lower blood pressure compared to positive control group (p<0.05), while SALE 50 mg/kg bw was not. Significant prevention of blood pressure elevation was seen in ACLE-SALE 25-25 mg/kg bw group with percent inhibition of 54.77% for systole and 67.6% diastole. ACLE 50 and ACLE-SALE 25-25 mg/kg bw were able to reduce the effect of angiotensin II and possibly act as angiotensin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, in extract combination, SALE of 25 mg/kg bw could reduce the dose of single ACLE as antihypertension by half the individual dose.

Anthrax is an infectious disease occurring worldwide and is a threat to global society due to its possible misuse as a biological weapon. Bacillus anthracis is the etiologic agent of this disease which can be transmitted via inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Globally, it is estimated around 2000 anthrax cases occur per year. Upon infection, the organism can cause cytolysis of macrophage and produce exotoxin capable of inducing edema and lymphatic blockage. Another challenge posed by the organism is the ability to form spores in harsh conditions. Various antibiotics have been used to fight the disease. However, like many other microbes, B. anthracis may develop resistance, thus the discovery of new therapeutics is urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been discovered since 1980s and attracted researchers in the antimicrobial field. In this review, the work and studies on the attempts to discover potent AMPs to treat anthrax together with the brief overview of the synthesis and modification pathways of several AMPs have been presented.

Background: Blue light exposure has been shown to induce ROS generation and subsequent inflammatory pathways that lead to cell death, in which antioxidants could counteract this effect. Although regarded as waste, cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Pod Husk (CPH) possesses a high polyphenolic contents, which could serve as antioxidants. Objectives: To characterize CPH ethanolic extract based on its antioxidant capacity and observe the cytoprotective ability of CPH in vitro upon blue light exposure. Materials and Methods: CPH ethanolic extract was characterized through total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and three antioxidant assays, then treated on HaCaT cells, in which cell viability was measured through MTS assay. Results: CPH extract showed high phenolic and flavonoid contents and high antioxidant capacity through DPPH and FRAP assay. CPH extract started to exert cytotoxicity from concentrations of 400 µg/mL and above, while 100 µg/mL and above in AA. Furthermore, CPH extract showed significant cytoprotective effect at 50 µg/mL at 11.92 ± 0.83% cell viability increase, wherein AA failed to protect HaCaT cells at the same concentration at 15.79 ± 0.72% cell viability decrease. Conclusion: CPH could serve as an alternative as blue light protection agent as it was safe to be used at higher concentrations and was able to protect HaCaT cells from blue light irradiation better than AA.

Monarda fistulosa is a plant often used in traditional medication with numerous benefits. This review paper aims to elaborate on the phytochemicals of Monarda fistulosa that contribute to its pharmacological activity. Numerous studies have found the bioactive compounds of Monarda fistulosa including carvacrol, thymol, thymoquinone, flavonoid, ????-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, limonene, and geraniol. Researchers have found several pharmacological activities in relation to these compounds including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and immunomodulatory properties. Evidence shows that Monarda fistulosa has potential for applications in many areas. Nevertheless, further clinical studies still have to be conducted to assess the effects of this plant.

Indonesia sits in the heart of the largest biodiversity hotspot -Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia has access to endless resources of bioactive compounds from marine animals and plants. Marine sponges have been extensively studied over the years due to their nature of being exposed to various microorganisms. Xestospongia sp. establishes a symbiotic relationship with diverse microorganisms, leading to the synthesis of abundant bioactive resources which capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Publications from the last ten years were retrieved from PubMed and included in this review article. Bioactive compounds produced by Xestospongia sp. were effective in inhibiting gram-negative bacteria- P. aeruginosa, A. baumanii, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermis, S. typhi- and gram-positive bacteria -M. Intracellulare, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, V. anguaillarum. In addition, extracts were able to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistance P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. neofarmans, A. niger, Epidermophyton sp., M. gypseum, T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes were susceptible to Xestospongia sp. extracts. The growth of chloroquine-resistant and susceptible strains of P. falciparum were inhibited by Xestospongia sp. with similar zones of inhibitions. The antimicrobial properties were contributed by the composition of chemically complex compounds such as phenolics, steroids and alkaloids; each of which exhibits a unique mechanism of action. The vast range of antimicrobial activity exhibited by Xestospongia sp. extracts implies their promising role in clinical settings for the treatment of infectious diseases including tuberculosis and malaria.