As part of the implementation of cooperation agreement between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Office of Mount Merbabu National Park, one of the activities carried out in 2023 is bioprospecting of medicinal plants. One of the species with potential health benefit is Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. or Asiatic pennywort. This species is a perennial herb that can grow in various types of habitat, and is found abundantly in some areas of Mount Merbabu. The bioprospecting study of this species conducted in this year began with preliminary research to generate secondary metabolite profiles, especially organic compounds from terpene and terpenoid groups. This research is the first step to determine the next stage in the exploration of potential use of Asiactic pennywort as medicinal plant which is known by the local community as traditional medicine for healing wounds. This bioprospecting research contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the third goal, namely Good Health and Well-being. The team from Faculty of Biology UGM involved in this activity was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc, who presented the results of initial research on Asiatic pennywort bioprospecting on Thursday, 21 December 2023. This presentation and discussion was led by the acting Head of the Office of Mount Merbabu National Park, Dr. Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T., the coordinator for cooperation affairs Kristina Dewi, S.Si., M.Eng., M.Sc., and all staff of Pengendali Ekosistem Hutan. In this occasion, the result preliminary analysis which shows the content of terpenoid compounds identified using the GC-MS method were explained. Discussions regarding the follow-up to the plant bio-prospecting program resulted in an agreement that further research to reveal in more detail the potential and prospects of Asicatic pennywort products will be carried out next year.
Presentation and discussion of the results of plant bio-prospecting at the Mount Merbabu National Park Office
