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| The process of making Kumandi Saebo (Photo : Special). |
The Madura community is known for its herbal concoctions. The tradition has been preserved from generation to generation for treating postpartum mothers, toothaches, and various other health problems such as hypertension. However, despite its popularity, the efficacy of this traditional herbal medicine has not been scientifically tested. In fact, one of the plants that is often used as an ingredient by the rural community in Madura is Kamandin Saebo, a plant that is endemic in Madura. The idea has motivated Dr. Dra. Elly Purwanti, M.P., a lecturer in biology education at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), to conduct interesting research regarding the plant's components.
“Kamandin Saebo, with the Latin name Glossocardia leschenaultii (Cass.) Veldkamp, is a Madura endemic plant that only grows in Guluk-guluk District, Sumenep Regency, Madura. This grass-like plant is widely used for a mixture of various herbs,” she explained.
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According to its meaning, 'Saebo' in Madurese means a thousand. In general, Kamandin Saebo is believed by the Madurese people to have benefits and efficiencies as a panacea plant to cure all diseases. After conducting this research, Elly and her team found that Kamandin Saebo contains various bioactive components that are useful as immunomodulators. This component has an important role in increasing the body's immune system against disease.
“Actually, Kamandin Saebo also has a high content of flavonoids, especially the so-called rutin substance. Therefore, the results of this study provide a scientific basis for the effectiveness of herbal medicine in boosting immunity,” she added.
Elly managed to get additional funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for 2023–2024 to support her research. She is also involved with other biology education lecturers, namely Moh. Mirza Nuryady, S.Si., M.Sc., and Tutut Indria Permana, M.Pd. In addition, UMM Pharmacy lecturers also participated, namely Dr. Hidajah Rahmawati, S.Si., Apt., Sp.FRS, and Apt. Amalia Dina Anggraeni, M.Farm.
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Elly explained that the research process did not go straightforwardly. The long dry season made collecting Kamandin Saebo samples difficult. The limited detection of active components in the sample was one of the obstacles. After the rainy season arrived, the test was conducted again with satisfactory results.
In addition to finding out the potential content of these substances, this research aims to be a bioprospection and ensure the protection and wise economic utilization of genetic resources. The results of this research are also in the process of being patented.
The results of this Kamandin Saebo research are also expected to encourage standardization in the manufacture of traditional herbal medicine. Starting from the composition of Kamandin Saebo that must be contained in each herbal medicine to the hygiene process and other manufacturing standards that must be fulfilled.
“It is expected that Madurese traditional herbal medicine, especially those that use kamandin saebo, can become recognized and appreciated globally as part of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage,” she concluded. (law/wil/put)
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