IPB University Researchers Develop Gambir Suspension as a Candidate Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis
IPB University has once again introduced an innovation based on Indonesia’s biological diversity through the development of a suspension formulation made from dried gambir sap (Uncaria gambir) as a candidate for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
This innovation opens up opportunities for the development of safer, natural based alternative therapies while also increasing the added value of Indonesia’s gambir industry.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, which impairs respiratory function. To date, treatment options for this disease remain limited; even in progressive cases, lung transplantation is considered the only effective treatment.
Dr dr Desdiani, SpP, MKK, MSc(MBioEt), a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University, explained that the use of natural ingredients is an increasingly promising approach because they have relatively low toxic effects and contain various active compounds that target multiple disease mechanisms.
“This study developed a suspension formulation of dried gambir resin extract as a candidate for preventing pulmonary fibrosis. Gambir contains catechins that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and have the potential to inhibit the formation of scar tissue in the lungs,” she said.
The study was conducted using an animal model with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The results showed that administration of gambir suspension improved various inflammatory parameters, including the number of inflammatory cells, levels of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-β1), Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), type I collagen expression, and lung histopathology.
According to Dr dr Desdiani, the novelty of this innovation lies in the use of dried gambir sap extract in suspension form, formulated as a therapeutic candidate for pulmonary fibrosis. Unlike previous studies, this invention has provided preclinical evidence of gambir’s potential to inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Furthermore, she added that this innovation not only benefits the healthcare sector but also has strategic implications for the development of Indonesia’s local commodities. Gambir, which has long been known primarily as an agricultural commodity, has the potential to achieve higher economic value if developed into a scientifically validated herbal medicine ingredient.
“Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of gambir.” “The use of gambir as a candidate herbal medicine not only supports the development of safer and more affordable therapies, but can also improve farmers’ well being and strengthen the national herbal medicine industry,” she explained.
In the next phase of development, Dr dr Desdiani will continue the commercialization process through clinical trials in humans to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the gambir suspension.
In addition, she will also strengthen collaboration with gambir farmers, hospitals, the herbal medicine industry, universities, and the government so that this innovation can develop into a phytopharmaceutical ready for widespread public use. (dr)(IAAS/HNY)
