Prof. Dr. apt. Sukardiman, MS., professor of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, introduced the results of research he has been conducting since 2010: DIABETKOL, a herbal product made from mangosteen peel extract and cat's whiskers leaves.
"DIABETKOL is an acronym for diabetes and cholesterol, which also indicates the product's efficacy, namely lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels," said Prof. Sukardiman when met in his office in the Nanizar Building, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNAIR Campus C.
Combination of Mangosteen and Cat's Whiskers
Research results revealed that mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana) contains the active compound alpha-mangostin, while cat's whiskers leaf extract (Orthosiphon stamineus) contains the active compound sinenstin. The combination of the two ingredients has been studied to work synergistically to provide optimal cholesterol and blood sugar reduction effects.
As a researcher, Prof. Sukardiman went through a lengthy period of contemplation before finally finding the "inspiration" of combining mangosteen peel and cat's whiskers. To date, the DIABETKOL product has undergone preclinical and phase 1 clinical trials.
Research Process
Prof. Sukardiman explained that the development of DIABETKOL was based on empirical data and a lengthy research phase, including initial screening of various traditional Indonesian medicinal plants, including bitter melon, bitter melon, and other plants. The results indicated that mangosteen peel extract and cat's whiskers were the best plant candidates.
The screening process involved not only selecting ingredients but also determining the best dosage form, comparing the activity in traditional tea brews and plant extracts. The extracts demonstrated superior efficacy. This marked the beginning of the candidate's discovery after a lengthy initial product screening process, which began in 2008.
Funding is a crucial component of sustainable research in Indonesia, including Prof. Sukardiman's research funding from the Higher Education Excellence Research Consortium (KRUPT) program to expand the reach of DIABETKOL research. Prof. Sukardiman also explained that the development of DIABETKOL research involves collaboration with other institutions, including the Bandung Institute of Technology and final project students from undergraduate to doctoral levels, resulting in a more comprehensive research study.
Patents and Production
DIABETKOL has obtained a patent certificate for its formulation, including IPR recognition for the DIABETKOL trademark. This product has also received a distribution permit number (NIE) from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and a Halal certificate from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPJPH).
In the production process, Prof. Sukardiman collaborates with the CPOTB and ISO-certified herbal medicine industry, PT Agaricus Sido Makmur Sentosa, and the official distributor, PT Darma Putra Airlangga.
Challenges
"Raw materials, especially mangosteen peel, are certainly difficult to find in large quantities, and cat's whiskers leaves are apparently not that easy to obtain. Another challenge is ensuring that the extracts used are standardized," explained Prof. Sukardiman. In addition to raw materials, the technology used in the production of DIABETKOL is a spray-drying technique, which produces a microparticle formula, but this results in a higher selling price.
At the end of the interview, Prof. Sukardiman emphasized that research into mangosteen peel and cat's whiskers leaves does not stop with DIABETKOL, but continues to develop studies on other metabolic syndromes. Of course, with full support from UNAIR for the advancement of research, pharmacy lecturers can add other herbal products.
DIABETKOL is clear evidence that the Faculty of Pharmacy UNAIR academic community fully supports the realization of SDGs 3 and SDG 9.
Also read:
