MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – Diabetes mellitus, a persistent and often fatal disease in Indonesia, afflicts individuals across age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Its primary culprits? Unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. Recognizing this stark reality, Prof. Eko Susetyarini, a distinguished biology professor at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), has embarked on a pioneering exploration: harnessing the potential of the flower of Tithonia diversifolia, commonly known as Mexican sunflower, as a natural alternative for diabetes management.
Prof. Susetyarini’s exploration stems from several compelling factors. The skyrocketing costs of conventional diabetic medication coupled with potential side effects are major concerns. Moreover, a burgeoning interest in natural remedies and ‘back to nature’ lifestyles has fueled the demand for herbal solutions, not just in Indonesia but globally.
“In Indonesia, access to readily available medicinal plants for traditional remedies is still limited. This scarcity hampers their potential, as they wouldn’t qualify as standardized herbal medicines or phytopharmaceuticals, which require stringent tests for efficacy and safety. But if we unlock the potential of these readily available resources, their economic value can flourish,” said Prof. Eko Susetyarini on a press release on Friday (December 29).
This meticulous research delves into the effectiveness of Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract in lowering blood sugar levels, employing Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) as subjects. Initial findings are promising, suggesting a significant role for the flower in natural diabetes management. At a dosage of 5.14 ml/200g body weight, the extract effectively lowered blood sugar levels by an average of 136.80 mg/dl.
Elated by this preliminary success, Prof. Susetyarini remains focused on further refining the extract’s potential and safety profile. She firmly believes that with meticulous research and development, this research may pave the way for the first-ever natural diabetes treatment in Indonesia.
“While these results are encouraging, additional research is vital,” she reiterates. “The next phase will delve deeper into the extract’s safety, particularly its impact on liver and kidney function.”
UMM’s research on Tithonia diversifolia offers a beacon of hope for millions grappling with diabetes in Indonesia and beyond. This exploration of a locally available, potentially cost-effective, and natural solution could revolutionize diabetes management, offering a ray of light to those struggling with this chronic disease. The journey, however, demands unwavering dedication to rigorous research and safety assessments, ensuring that this potential breakthrough truly translates into a safe and effective weapon in the fight against diabetes.
