Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing overtime, potentially leading to various severe health complications and mortality. Despite therapeutic agents have currently been developed, unexpected adverse effects are inevitable. Hence, safe and effective medications such as those of plant origin are critical to prevent unexpected complication in DM sufferers. Etlingera elatior has been widely used as spice and traditional medicine to treat diabetes in Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, study regarding α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh, Indonesia, is completely lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior ethanol extracts (EEEE) growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Methods Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH procedure, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out using spectrophotometric method. Data analysis was performed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at α=0.05. Results Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total tannin (TTC) content in all E. elatior plant parts, in which the highest TPC was found in the stem (158.38 GAE/g), whereas the highest TFC and TTC was obtained in the rhizome extracts. The extract of fruit showed the strongest antioxidant activities, followed by the stem and leaf, with IC50 of 2.381 μg/mL, 6.966 μg/mL, and 19.365 μg/mL, respectively. All E. elatior extracts revealed a significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase at the concentration of 500 μg/mL, in which the stem extract showed the most effective α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 5.15 μg/mL, suggesting its promising potential as antidiabetic agent. Conclusions This study highlights E. elatior potency as a novel source of antioxidant and natural antidiabetic compounds that are useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Morphological Characteristics of Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R. M. Smith) in Several Regions in Aceh Province, Sumatra

Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing overtime, potentially leading to various severe health complications and mortality. Despite therapeutic agents have currently been developed, unexpected adverse effects are inevitable. Hence, safe and effective medications such as those of plant origin are critical to prevent unexpected complication in DM sufferers. Etlingera elatior has been widely used as spice and traditional medicine to treat diabetes in Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, study regarding α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh, Indonesia, is completely lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior ethanol extracts (EEEE) growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Methods Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH procedure, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out using spectrophotometric method. Data analysis was performed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at α=0.05. Results Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total tannin (TTC) content in all E. elatior plant parts, in which the highest TPC was found in the stem (158.38 GAE/g), whereas the highest TFC and TTC was obtained in the rhizome extracts. The extract of fruit showed the strongest antioxidant activities, followed by the stem and leaf, with IC50 of 2.381 μg/mL, 6.966 μg/mL, and 19.365 μg/mL, respectively. All E. elatior extracts revealed a significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase at the concentration of 500 μg/mL, in which the stem extract showed the most effective α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 5.15 μg/mL, suggesting its promising potential as antidiabetic agent. Conclusions This study highlights E. elatior potency as a novel source of antioxidant and natural antidiabetic compounds that are useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

The issue of global warming is a threat to the survival of various ecosystems on earth. The purpose of the study was to determine changes in land cover of green The issue of global warming is a threat to the survival of various ecosystems on earth. The purpose of the study was to determine changes in land cover of green

Asmilia N, Sari W, Nursanty R, Saudah, Zumaidar. 2025. Phytochemical diversity and anticancer potential of Etlingera elatior fruits across ecological regions in Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 5423-5429. Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae) fruit is a traditional Acehnese medicinal plant known for its diverse bioactive compounds. This study investigated the phytochemical diversity, antioxidant properties, cytotoxicity, and anticancer potential of E. elatior fruits collected from three regions of Aceh: Pidie, the Gayo Highlands, and Simeulue Island. Qualitative and quantitative screenings were performed to assess secondary metabolites, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). Antioxidant capacity was performed by the DPPH assay, cytotoxicity by the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT), and anticancer activity by the MTT assay against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results revealed clear regional differences in phytochemical profiles and bioactivities. Simeulue fruits exhibited the highest TPC and TFC, while extracts from the Gayo Highlands showed the strongest antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Notably, the Gayo extracts also demonstrated the most potent anticancer activity, significantly inhibiting MCF-7 cell proliferation. These findings highlight the ecological influence on phytochemical diversity and biological activity of E. elatior, with altitude and geographic conditions shaping metabolite accumulation. Overall, the study demonstrates that E. elatior fruits, particularly those from the Gayo Highlands, possess considerable anticancer potential. This underscores the importance of conserving local biodiversity and supports the development of E. elatior as a natural source for novel anticancer agents. Further research should prioritize isolation of active constituents, molecular pathway analysis, and in vivo validation to advance its development for nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical applications.

The Gayo Highlands communities use Asteraceae species in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacological use of Asteraceae and assess community knowledge regarding their medicinal applications. Data were collected from 48 respondents across eight sub-districts using purposive sampling and structured questionnaires. The study identified 10 Asteraceae species used to treat 10 diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, hypertension, liver disorders, common cold, bloating, cough, fever, toothache, and skin itching. Leaves were the most frequently used plant organ (95.96%), mainly from wild plants growing near home yards or abandoned land. Approximately 81.25% of respondents reported using Asteraceae to manage DM. Standard preparation methods included boiling and pounding, with the leaves of Erigeron sumatrensis Retz being the most widely recognized and utilized for the treatment of DM and cancer. The community’s preference for these plants is attributed to their availability, perceived safety, and efficacy. This study highlights the significant ethnopharmacological potential of Asteraceae in the Gayo Highlands and provides a basis for further pharmacological investigations, particularly on E. sumatrensis. Keyword: Asteraceae; traditional medicine; ethnopharmacology; Gayo Highlands; Erigeron sumatrensis