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| A group of students from the UMM Medical Study Program conducted research related to plantain fronds which are used as absorbent material for organic sanitary napkins (Photo: Special) |
The banana tree is known as a versatile plant with thousands of benefits. From the roots, stems, fronds, leaves, to the fruit. It's no wonder that this plant is one of the important sources in our daily lives. Considering this matter, a group of students from the Medical Study Program of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) conducted research related to plantain fronds, which were used as absorbent material for organic sanitary napkins as well as being useful for preventing the growth of Candida Albicans fungi.
They are Alisha Maryam as the leader, Faiza Rahma Maulida, Sevayahe Ayuning Vinosa, Felix Natha Niela Fawwaz, and Vera Miftakul Rahma Kamali.
The research was motivated by international data, which mentions that 70% of women aged 25–34 have contracted vulvovaginal candidiasis disease on a worldwide scale. Alisha Maryam explained that although the disease already has a medication, such as coconazole used orally and clotrimazole intravaginally, both have side effects that make women uncomfortable.
“Both have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning sensation, and irritation. Utilizing plantain fronds as an absorbent material for organic sanitary napkins that contains flavonoids is expected to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans fungus, which is the cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis.”
Alisha explained that the choice of plantains fronds compared to other types of bananas was due to their ability to inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans fungus, as they also have better absorption compared to other types of banana fronds. They used various methods such as extraction, wheel stator, suspension making, dilution, and scanning electron microscope tests.
“The absorbent capacity is quite large, which is about 16.98 grams, the value is not much different from the absorbent material of cotton pads in general. By looking at the value of its benefits that can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans fungus. It becomes safer to be used by women,” she explained.
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Furthermore, she said that the results of the study could provide new insights and innovations in women's health. Moreover, a woman must pay more attention to herself in feminine hygiene. “The benefit that we expect from the use of organic sanitary napkins made from plantain frond fiber is that it can reduce the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, both in Indonesia and globally,” said Alisha.
Finally, Alisha advised all students not to hesitate in innovating in the research world. All things that are renewable must go through trial and error conditions. That is also a challenge in researching and creating new things.
“Never be afraid to innovate in the world of research. Challenge yourself to think creatively and find new solutions. Keep learning and collaborate with others. Remember, every great discovery starts from a small idea developed with dedication and an unyielding spirit,” he said. (Zaf/Faq/Put)
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