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Contact Name
Dinia R Dwijayanti,
Contact Email
biotropika@gmail.com
Phone
+62341-575841
Journal Mail Official
biotropika@gmail.com
Editorial Address
Departemen Biologi FMIPA UB, Jalan Veteran, 65145, Malang, Jawa Timur
Location
Kota malang,
Jawa timur
INDONESIA
Biotropika
Published by Universitas Brawijaya
ISSN : 23027282     EISSN : 25498703     DOI : 10.21776/ub.biotropika.
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology invites research articles, short communication, and reviews describing new findings/phenomena of biological sciences in tropical regions, specifically in the following subjects, but not limited to biotechnology, biodiversity, microbiology, botany, zoology, biosystematics, ecology, and environmental sciences.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 544 Documents
Ethnobotany of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. &Schult. : A Review Setiyanto, Afif Eka Rahma; Zulfatim, Heni Sukma; Septi Tri Puspita Sari; Krisnawati, Dewi
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.02.04

Abstract

Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult., commonly known as the ‘desert rose,’ is a member of the Apocynaceae family, cultivated extensively in various tropical regions. While Adenium obesum is primarily used as an ornamental plant, previous research has documented its biological activities and phytochemical constituents. However, there has been no comprehensive review of its ethnobotanical applications. This study aims to summarize and discuss the ethnobotanical uses of Adenium obesum through a literature review. The ethnobotanical information of Adenium obesum can be categorized into five primary groups: ornamental plant, eco-print source, religious ceremonies, medicinal uses, and toxic effects. The plant is renowned for its aesthetic appeal, particularly its flowers and roots, often shaped into bonsai. This characteristic underscores its potential in the floriculture industry and agrotourism. In eco-printing, Adenium obesum creates patterns on fabrics through direct contact. In religious contexts, the plant is used in offerings and pilgrimage ceremonies at cemeteries. Adenium obesum has been approved for treating various diseases in humans and chickens. Conversely, it also possesses toxic properties that are harnessed for hunting purposes. Different regions and cultures employ Adenium obesum in diverse ethnobotanical applications. The findings conclude that Adenium obesum has significant ethnobotanical utility, presenting several prospects, such as its incorporation into the ornamental plant industry, agrotourism, and the development of other art objects or plant parts beyond its flowers. Furthermore, scientific validation is necessary to maximize the beneficial effects and manage the toxic properties of this plant to ensure its proper utilization.
The Use of Purple Eggplant Fruit Calyx Stem (Solanum melongena L.) as an Alternative Source of Lactase-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Mike Permata Sari; Radhina, Afifa; Indriani, Narita
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.02.05

Abstract

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body cannot digest lactose due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the digestive system, leading to various health issues and indirectly increasing the risk of stunting. To prevent lactose intolerance, supplements containing the lactase enzyme or foods and drinks low in lactose, such as yoghurt, are recommended. Yoghurt production requires microorganisms capable of synthesizing the lactase enzyme, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This research is an experimental study exploring the potential of purple eggplant stalks and petals (Solanum melongena L.) as a new source of LAB capable of synthesizing the lactase enzyme. The experiment began with making yoghurt from milk with added purple eggplant calyx stems as initial proof of LAB presence. Milk was chosen as the initial growth medium because it contains lactose, which acts as a substrate for the lactase enzyme found in LAB. The obtained yoghurt was then inoculated into selective media, resulting in the growth of gram-positive bacilli colonies. The lactase enzyme was isolated from LAB using the sonication method. Optimum enzyme activity was achieved at 70°C and pH 7, measuring 0.0061 U/Mg. This research concludes that purple eggplant stalks and petals contain LAB capable of synthesizing the lactase enzyme. Hopefully, this research will progress to purifying the lactase enzyme and developing lactase enzyme supplements, which can be tested as a therapy for lactose intolerance.
Arthropod Community Structure as an Indicator of Land Quality for Coffee Agroforestry Rehabilitation in Kopen Dukuh, Glagah, Banyuwangi Regency Naim, Abu; Tsamrotul, Yayu; Dwi N, Lulut
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 3 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.03.04

Abstract

Kopen Dukuh, a village in Banyuwangi District, was previously known for its rich biodiversity. However, human activities, including plant exploitation and stone quarrying, have caused significant environmental damage. To address this issue, restoration efforts through agroforestry planting were implemented to improve the ecosystem and meet community needs. Monitoring the success of restoration was conducted by observing arthropods using three methods: the Berlese-Tullgren method for soil arthropods at a depth of 10 cm, pitfall traps for ground-surface arthropods, and aerial traps for airborne arthropods. Observations were distributed across 20 plots: 10 in restored areas (R) and 10 in un-restored areas (U). The results identified 41 arthropod families, with 34 families found in restored areas and 22 families in un-restored areas. The diversity index (H') indicated that restored areas had a relatively high diversity (H': 2.22, dominance value S: 0.8), while un-restored areas had a moderate diversity (H': 2.00, dominance value S: 0.87). Restored areas also showed improved environmental parameters, including higher soil moisture (85%), optimal soil temperature (22.81°C), a near-neutral pH (6.12), and increased organic carbon content (7.05%). In contrast, un-restored areas had lower soil moisture (78%), similar soil temperature (22.78°C), more acidic pH (4.8), and slightly lower organic carbon content (6.79%). The QBS index, which uses arthropods as bioindicators, further supported these findings. Restored areas exhibited higher QBS values (30–46) compared to un-restored areas (26–32), indicating better soil biological quality. These results demonstrate that agroforestry restoration plays a crucial role in improving both biotic and abiotic soil quality, contributing significantly to ecosystem recovery.
Herpetofauna Diversity and Conservation Value in The Mountain Ecosystems of Gunung Sigogor and Gunung Picis Nature Reserve, East Java, Indonesia Muammar Kadafi, Ahmad; Fatiqin, Awalul; Priambodo, Bagus; Firmansyah, Richo; Dwi Nur Aji, Fajar; Wahyu Widodo, Tri; Gunawan; Permana, Danafia; Yanuar Adiba, Faisal; Ristanto, Yuri
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 3 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.03.03

Abstract

Gunung Picis and Gunung Sigogor nature reserves, located in the Wilis mountain range of East Java, were established in 1924 and 1936, respectively. These areas are critical for biodiversity preservation as mandated by Indonesia's Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Biological Resources and Ecosystems. Despite previous surveys documenting various mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians data remain limited. Herpetofauna, particularly amphibians, are vital bio-indicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, but they face significant threats from habitat loss and exploitation. This study, conducted in November 2020 using Visual Encounter Surveys and opportunistic searches, aimed to catalog herpetofauna diversity in these reserves. The survey identified 29 herpetofauna species, with Nyctixalus margaritifer rediscovered at a new site. Most species were classified as Least Concern (LC), except for the Gonocephalus kuhlii (Vulnerable/VU), indicating potential habitat threats. Analysis of species distribution highlighted "Wates stream" as the most diverse habitat. These findings provide a critical foundation for future conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to protect amphibian and reptile species in Gunung Picis and Gunung Sigogor nature reserve.
Corrigendum to “Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Lokal secara Tradisional dalam Peningkatan Ketahanan Pangan oleh Suku Dayak Iban di Desa Mensiau, Kalimantan Barat" Arini, Wahyuningyan; R Saputra, Venza; Ramadani, Harri
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.02.07

Abstract

Corrigendum to “PEMANFAATAN TUMBUHAN LOKAL SECARA TRADISIONAL DALAM PENINGKATAN KETAHANAN PANGAN OLEH SUKU DAYAK IBAN DI DESA MENSIAU, KALIMANTAN BARAT” [Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology, (9)1, 38-45]
Identification and Genetic Diversity of Pineapple Local Accessions from Kediri and Closely Related Species (Bromeliaceae) Based on matK Gene Rasyadan Taufiq Probojati; Hadiyanti, Nugraheni; Hapsari, Lia
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 12 No. 3 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2024.012.03.01

Abstract

Ananas comosus L. belongs to the Bromeliaceae family and has around eight subfamilies. Accessions of local pineapple have spread widely in several areas, one of which is in Kediri. However, some accessions and closely related species (Bromeliaceae) likely remain poorly understood relationships. The highly diverse morphological characters and low levels of sequence divergence in Bromeliaceae have been problematic in resolving the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the matK gene as a DNA barcode to determine genetic diversity and reconstruct a phylogenetic tree in local pineapple and closely related species (Bromeliaceae). A total of 15 specimens were used in this research, of which 7 were local pineapple accessions from Kediri and eight were closely related species from the Bromeliaceae family. Whole genome DNA was isolated using a Tiangen kit and amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using a specific primer. The results showed that matK was easily amplified with a DNA fragment length of 750-800 bp. The average composition value of each base was 36.9% T (U) bases, 30.1% in A bases, 15.9% in G bases, and 17.1% in C. BLAST analysis of the sequences showed that all samples were confirmed and identified according to the species names spread across local pineapple production areas (with query cover of 96-98%). However, the species names registered in the PBG database were confirmed to be different species but still in the same genus, i.e., samples B9-B14. The phylogenetic relationship analysis distinguished each accession into two large clades according to sub-families, i.e., Bromelioideae and Pitcairnioideae. This research shows that the matK gene is suitable and recommended as a DNA barcode for local pineapple and closely related species.
CaCO3-Reformulated Interlocking Bricks: Physical Characterization and Their Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential for Healthy Housing Djati, Muhammad Sasmito; Rachmawati, Turniningtyas Ayu; Anggraini, Retno; Zacoeb, Achfas; Rifa`i, Muhaimin; Minang, Bony Zulkarnaen; Kusuma, Kavana Hafil; Prima, Alex; Christina, Yuyun Ika
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.01.01

Abstract

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has many benefits for medicine, manufacturing, and nanotechnology due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Interlocking bricks (i-bricks) are widely used in sustainable housing for efficient air circulation and reducing humidity inside the house. If CaCO3 is mixed with interlocking brick, it can inhibit bacterial growth, leading to a healthier indoor environment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical characterization and antibacterial activity of CaCO3-reformulated i-brick, and its anti-inflammatory potential in mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium. The physical characterization of CaCO3-reformulated i-brick (F1-F10 formulas), including its density, compression, and absorption, was analyzed. The inhibitory activity of CaCO3-reformulated i-brick on S. typhimurium growth was determined using a linear regression equation between culture age and cell density values. BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=4): healthy mice (N), S. typhimurium-infected mice (S), S. typhimurium-infected mice treated with F6 formula (F6) and F7 formula (F7) for 7 days. After 7 days of treatment, lymphocytes were isolated to determine the relative number of TGF-beta, interleukin (IL)-10, and TNF-alpha using flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that formulas 6 and 7 of CaCO3-reformulated i-bricks exhibited optimal physical properties, including density, compression, and water absorption. These formulas also inhibited the growth of S. typhimurium. Furthermore, formulas 6 and 7 possessed anti-inflammatory effects in S. typhimurium-infected mice indicated by the high increase in IL-10 and TGF-beta production and low levels of TNF-alpha. In conclusion, CaCO3 brick formulation can inhibit the growth of S. typhimurium and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Further investigation is needed to reveal the effect of CaCO3-reformulated i-bricks on another inflammatory marker to further elucidate its anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Antioxidant Properties and Quantification of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in Alpinia purpurata (Viell.) K. Schum Ethanol Extract Djati, Muhammad Sasmito; Azerlyn, Defiona Rensia Naomi; Kusuma, Kavana Hafil; Rosyadah, Nuraini; Kamila, Fairuz Sarah; Annisa, Yuslinda; Christina, Yuyun Ika; Dwijayanti, Dinia Rizqi; Widodo, Nashi
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.01.02

Abstract

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds have been found to have positive benefits due to their antioxidant activity. Alpinia purpurata (Viell.) K. Schum, or lengkuas merah, is known to have aromatic rhizomes and is rich in active compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics. This research aimed to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid content of A. purpurata ethanol extract and its antioxidant activity. A. purpurata was extracted using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with 97% ethanol solvent. The ethanol extract of A. purpurata was then analyzed for the total phenolic and flavonoid content. The antioxidant activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined by DPPH and NO scavenging assay, respectively. The results showed that A. purpurata ethanol extract had a high phenolic content (148.76 ± 1.03 mg GAE.g-1extract) but weak DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 of 219.06 ± 8.15 µg.mL-1), indicating that high phenolic content does not necessarily correlate with strong antioxidant properties. In contrast, the extract exhibited strong NO scavenging activity with an IC50 of 22.73 ± 7.57 µg.mL-1. Despite its high phenolic content, the weak DPPH activity indicates that total phenolic concentration alone is not always a reliable indicator of antioxidant strength. Further studies should include additional antioxidant assays to comprehensively evaluate the extract’s antioxidant potential.
Virtual Based Screening of Rosmaniric Acid and Its Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Approach Targeting HIF-1a Naufal, Achmad Hanif; Wachid, Nisa Nabila Aufa; Kamila, Fairuz Sarah; Wahyuningsih, Nadia; Ilmiyah, Silvi Zakiyatul; Nafisah, Wirdatun; Fatchiyah, Fatchiyah
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.01.03

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Rosmarinic acid becomes one of the important polyphenolic compounds. It includes derivatives of two amino acids, caffeic acid from phenylalanine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-lactic acid from tyrosine, secondary metabolites found in many herbal plants from the subfamily Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae. Rosmarinic acid works in inhibiting the occurrence of metastases and tumor formation. In this study, we evaluated rosmarinic acid and its derivatives through study literature. The compounds were downloaded from the PubChem database, while the three-dimensional structure of HIF-1a was retrieved from RCSB PDB. The biological activity was analyzed using the PASS server, and the cytotoxic effect was predicted using CLC-Pred., The pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds were analyzed using SwissADME. The compounds and HIF-1a were prepared using PyRx 0.8 version and Discovery Studio software, docked specifically using Autodock Vina, visualized using Discovery Studio software, and molecular dynamic simulation using CABS-flex 2.0. Rosmarinic acid and its derivative showed an inhibition with the highest affinity value of compound against HIF-1a are control (-6.9 kcal/mol), Rosmarinic acid (-6.4 kcal /mol), and Methyl rosmarinate (-6.3 kcal/mol). Rosmarinic acid could be expected to have activity as an inhibitor modulated at the post-translational level. Comprehensive and further analysis is required in future research based in vivo and in vitro for the development of cancer treatments.
Determination of Polyphenol Compounds in Clinacanthus nutans and Their Potential as Antioxidants Widodo, Nashi; Salma Wahid Marseti; Yuslinda Annisa; Fairuz Sarah Kamila; Rosyadah, Nuraini; Rifa’i, Muhaimin
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.01.06

Abstract

Free radicals can cause oxidative damage if they are produced in excess amounts in the body. To prevent this, the work of endogenous antioxidants needs to be supported by safe and effective exogenous antioxidants. Clinacanthus nutans is one of the sources of natural polyphenol compounds that have the potential to be used as free radical-scavenging agents. The study began with the extraction of C. nutans simplicia with microwave assisted extraction (MAE) using a 96% ethanol solvent. The amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the extract was then measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride techniques, and their antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Based on the results of the study, it is known that C. nutans ethanolic extract contains higher flavonoids (238.29 ± 10.87 mgQE.g-1) than the total phenols (148.76 ± 1.26 mgGAE.g-1). This study also showed the potential of C. nutans extract as a free-radical scavenger with an IC50 from the NO-scavenging and DPPH assays of 28.37 ± 3.38 ppm and 117.84 ± 3.93 ppm, respectively. Despite the presence of high polyphenol content in the extract, its antioxidant activity was found to be relatively weak. Consequently, further study is necessary to ascertain the specific class of compounds responsible for its antioxidant activity and to assess its effectiveness.