Journal of Mathematical and Fundamental Sciences
Vol. 57 No. 3 (2026)

The Potential of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) Root Extract Nanoparticles as Anti-Prostate Cancer Agent against Cell Cycle Regulation, Apoptosis, and Senescence based on In Vitro Tests

Eka Yudha Rahman (Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, 70123, Indonesia)
Nia Kania (Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, 70123, Indonesia)
Didik Priyandoko (Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia)
Adilah Hafizha Nur Sabrina (Biomolecular and Biomedical Research Center, Aretha Medika Utama, Bandung, 40163, Indonesia)
Wahyu Widowati (Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, Indonesia)
Rizal Azis (Biomolecular and Biomedical Research Center, Aretha Medika Utama, Bandung, 40163, Indonesia)
Aziz Annaba (Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia)
Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo (Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Cimahi, 40525, Indonesia)
Garry Alexandro (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Jakarta State University, East Jakarta, 13220, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jul 2026

Abstract

Prostate cancer poses a major health challenge worldwide, with increasing incidence rates and limited current treatment modalities, which highlights the urgent need for innovative therapeutic alternatives. Utilizing nanoparticles derived from plant extracts is emerging as a promising solution, offering a superior drug delivery system. Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots, or Pasak Bumi, which are widely used in ethnobotany, are known to contain the compound eurycomanone, which exhibits pro-apoptotic activity against malignant cells. This investigation sought to assess the efficacy of Pasak Bumi root-derived nanoparticles (PBN) in inhibiting the proliferation of prostate carcinoma cells (PC-3), through an in vitro approach. A nanoparticle sample was obtained through the addition of chitosan and 0.4% Na-TPP to Pasak Bumi root extract. Flow cytometric analysis was employed to evaluate cell cycle distribution, while genes expression of Casp-3, Casp-8, and HAX-1 were quantified via qRT-PCR. The senescence cell detection test was performed using associated-β-galactosidase staining. PBN treatment supressed PC-3 cell proliferation through G0/G1 phase arrest and downregulation of HAX-1 genes expression, while promoting apoptosis via upregulation of Casp-3 and Casp-8 transcripts. PBN also increased the percentage of PC-3 senescence cells. This study demonstrates the potential of PBN to inhibit prostate cancer cells.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jmfs

Publisher

Subject

Astronomy Chemistry Earth & Planetary Sciences Mathematics Physics

Description

Journal of Mathematical and Fundamental Sciences welcomes full research articles in the area of Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the following subject areas: Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences (Geodesy, Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Meteorology), Life Sciences (Agriculture, Biochemistry, ...