UGM students have successfully discovered the neuroprotective benefits of Javanese chili kombucha as a functional beverage for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This research was led by Eri Dwi Suyanti along with Salma Mutiara Tsani, Fithratun Nastiti, Wafiq Hanifah, and Marcellino Maatita. The researchers, from various disciplines at UGM including medicine, biology, and pharmacy, collaborated to unveil the potential of Javanese chili kombucha in the medical field. This study was conducted under the guidance of dr. Arta Farmawati, Ph.D. The research focusing on Javanese chili was submitted under the Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences (PKM-RE) and received funding support for the entire research process, from obtaining ethical clearance to experiment financing. The support was provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek).
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and AD are diseases with increasing prevalence as age advances. It’s predicted that by 2050, AD patients in Indonesia will reach 3,999,285. Unfortunately, current therapies for T2DM patients cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Javanese chili contains the bioactive compound piperine, which has anti-diabetic effects and can be developed into a functional kombucha beverage. Kombucha is a fermented drink known for its anti-hyperglycemic effects. The research revealed that the bioactive compounds in Javanese chili kombucha exhibit significant benefits. Javanese chili kombucha could provide neuroprotective benefits by inhibiting an enzyme activity linked to AD in T2DM patients. Moreover, animal trials demonstrated that Javanese chili kombucha could maintain spatial memory in test mice. This study brings new hope in AD treatment through the natural wealth of Indonesia. The researchers aim to further this knowledge into clinical trials, envisioning a future where this research actively protects T2DM patients at risk of AD complications.[Author: Marcellino Maatita]