The crude methanol extracts and fractions of the root and stem barks of Dillenia serrata Thunb. showed 64% to 73% inhibition on the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in lipopolysaccharide-induced human whole blood using a radioimmunoassay technique. Three triterpenoids isolated from the root bark of the plant, koetjapic (1), 3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic (2), and betulinic (3) acids, exhibited significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on PGE₂ production with IC₅₀ values of 1.05, 1.54, and 2.59 μM, respectively, as compared with the positive control, indomethacin (IC₅₀ = 0.45 μM). Quantification of compounds 1 and 3 in the methanol extracts and fractions were carried out by using a validated reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. The ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark showed the highest content of both compound 1 (15.1%) and compound 3 (52.8%). The strong inhibition of the extracts and fractions on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity was due to the presence of their major constituents, especially koetjapic and betulinic acids.

Information on aboveground biomass of mangrove forest at Rawa Aopa Watumohai National (RAWN) Park is fundamental for the management of mangroves (Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.) in the park. Allometric relationships of partial or whole L. racemosa trees were examined using independent variables D30, DBH, and DB or quadratics D30²H, DBH²H, and DB²H from different individuals of L. racemosa trees. Aboveground biomass was estimated by allometric equations and tree census data. Results showed that the best fit for allometric models of stem biomass (WS) and leaf biomass (WL) used the independent variable of DBH²H, while the best fit for branch biomass (WB) used quadratic DB²H. The quadratic DBH²H is the most reliable parameter for estimating aboveground biomass of L. racemosa trees. Aboveground biomass of L. racemosa varied among stands, ranging from 26.23 to 191.01 ton ha⁻¹. Biomass density of L. racemosa forest varied from 4.07 to 29.80 ton ha⁻¹ m⁻¹. The high aboveground biomass of L. racemosa indicates its high blue carbon stock, which maintains the productivity of nearby coastal areas. Therefore, the results of this study can help the sustainable management of mangroves in the RAWN Park and surrounding areas.

The objective of this study is to investigate the phytochemical constituents of Wualae fruit extract and its cell-protecting activity towards CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity. Phytochemical screening performed in this study was alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and terpenoid. Extract was also characterized to specify the quality. The cell-protecting of extract was performed to Wistar male rats to measure their total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP levels post-treated with Wualae fruit extract at dose 200, 300, and 400 mg/kgBw for 7 d, and induced with CCl₄ the next day. Histopathology of intestine and liver organ was also performed. Our study found that extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. We found extract decreases levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP at dose of 200, 300, and 400mg/kgBw (p<0.05), although histopathological results demonstrated that dose of 400mg/kgBw showed some necrosis at villi and steatosis at liver. In conclusion, Wualae fruit extract has protective effect toward CCl_4- induced hepatotoxicity at dose 200 and 300mg/kgBw and able to decreases bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP levels. Flavonoid contains in extract is suspected plays role in its cell-protecting effect.

Meistera chinensis is one of the new generations of the Zingiberaceae family. Zingiberaceae have a large number of species and still need research to reveal their chemical content. Meistera chinensis, a local plant that is widespread in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Empirically, M. chinensis is used as a flavor enhancer in food, aches, and increases body immunity. There are no reports of chemical content or its biological activity. In this study, the fruit was tested for phytochemicals, antioxidants using the ABTS test, total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and toxicity test with BSLT. Meistera chinensis was extracted with ethanol and fractionated by ethyl acetate solvent use vacuum liquid chromatography. Phytochemical screening was carried out qualitatively by using the calorimetric method. The fraction toxicity was monitored by a lethal test for brine shrimp (BSLT). These fractions for the ABTS method obtained fractions 1-8 (F1-F8) and ascorbic acid were used as controls. The results showed radical scavenging activities fraction of M. chinensis fruit was a very strong activity with IC50 of 42.7±3.53 mg/L (F8). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 30.72±1.07 mgGAE/g and 8.02±0.48 mgQE/g, respectively. The phytochemical evaluation contains terpenoids, saponins, phenolics, steroids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The BSLT toxicity test was found to be very toxic with IC50 of 5.20±0.72 mg/L. These findings indicate that the fruit of M. chinensis acts as an antioxidant and toxicity agent.