Osteoarthritis (OA) is a bone disease that affects various joints, including the knee joint, and is a leading cause of morbidity, physical activity limitations, and disability. OA caused by multiple factors, and current treatment for knee OA primarily relies on pharmacological drugs such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can cause side effects and dependency. Surgery is the most effective treatment method, but not all patients are eligible for this procedure.
Addressing these issues, under the guidance of Drh. Retno Murwanti, M.P., Ph.D., the PKM-RE Peek a Boo team, led by Rima Arvisya Natania Putri (Biology 2022) along with Regina Nilamsari, Reny Ras Ninta Br Tarigan, Widha Nur Yuliharjanti, and Felicia Averine, developed a therapy to prevent OA using nanoemulsions derived from fermented Kara Benguk bean (M. pruriens) extract.
Rima explained that Kara Benguk beans are an underutilized local Indonesian commodity. These beans contain flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids, which can help prevent the formation and progression of OA. Kara Benguk beans and tempeh collected from Kulon Progo Regency and processed into a control extract, a fermented Kara Benguk bean extract utilizing L. plantarum and L. casei, and a Kara Benguk tempeh extract. After testing for antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content, the Kara Benguk tempeh extract was selected as the raw material for the nanoemulsion.
Following organoleptic tests and effectiveness studies of the Kara Benguk nanoemulsion, it was found that concentrations of 100mg/mL, 200mg/mL, and 400mg/mL were significantly effective in preventing OA. The Team hopes that the results of this research will enhance the utility of Kara Benguk beans through the standardization and development of nanoemulsions for OA prevention and serve as the latest source of information on the use of Kara Benguk beans for OA therapy.
