As part of the implementation of the collaboration agreement between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Mount Merbabu National Park , one of the activities carried out in 2023 was the bioprospecting of medicinal plants. One of the selected species for potential study was Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., known locally as ‘pegagan.’ This plant is a perennial herb that thrives in various habitats and is commonly found in the Mount Merbabu area. This year, the bioprospecting activities commenced with research on the secondary metabolite profile, particularly focusing on the terpene and terpenoid groups. This research served as an initial step to determine the subsequent stages in the utilization of pegagan, especially as a medicinal plant recognized by the local community for its wound-healing properties. The bioprospecting research contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
The Faculty of Biology UGM team involved in these activities was led by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who presented the preliminary findings of the pegagan bioprospecting research on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The event, held at the Mount Merbabu National Park Office, was led by the Acting Head of the office, Dr. Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T., with collaboration coordinator Kristina Dewi, S.Si., M.Eng., M.Sc., and all the staff of the Ecosystem Forest Controllers. During the event, the compounds belonging to the terpenoid group, successfully identified using GC-MS methods, were presented. Discussions on the follow-up of the plant bioprospecting program resulted in an agreement to conduct further research next year to delve deeper into the potential and prospects of pegagan products.
The Faculty of Biology UGM team involved in these activities was led by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who presented the preliminary findings of the pegagan bioprospecting research on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The event, held at the Mount Merbabu National Park Office, was led by the Acting Head of the office, Dr. Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T., with collaboration coordinator Kristina Dewi, S.Si., M.Eng., M.Sc., and all the staff of the Ecosystem Forest Controllers. During the event, the compounds belonging to the terpenoid group, successfully identified using GC-MS methods, were presented. Discussions on the follow-up of the plant bioprospecting program resulted in an agreement to conduct further research next year to delve deeper into the potential and prospects of pegagan products.
