Indonesian researchers study plants for diabetes treatment
Professor Fauzan Azima from the university’s Faculty of Agricultural Technology said the study focuses on combining three traditional medicinal plants: cinnamon, ground cherry and Dayak onion.
The researchers developed the extract combination based on bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and organosulfur compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Azima said diabetes and hypertension are closely linked metabolic disorders that can trigger oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and organ damage over time.
“These complications increase the risk of damage to organs such as the pancreas, kidneys, heart and blood vessels,” he said.
He said researchers are increasingly exploring plant-based compounds as alternative treatments because they may help regulate metabolism with fewer side effects than long-term synthetic drug use.
“Indonesia’s biodiversity provides significant opportunities for developing natural-based alternative medicines,” he added.
Research results showed the combined extracts helped normalize blood glucose levels and blood pressure simultaneously in laboratory animals with diabetes and hypertension.
Researchers also found blood pressure returned to normal faster in animals suffering from both conditions compared with animals experiencing hypertension alone.
The combined extract also reduced systemic inflammation and helped protect pancreatic and kidney function, according to the study.
Azima said combining several medicinal plants could produce broader therapeutic benefits because multiple bioactive compounds may target different disease pathways simultaneously.
“Research on traditional medicinal plants is important not only to strengthen scientific evidence, but also to support natural treatment development using local resources,” he said.
The study, involving researchers from Malang State University, Jambi University and Andalas University students, is expected to continue with further safety, mechanism and clinical studies before human use.
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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Cindy Frishanti Octavia