Original Articles
Isabela Anjani and Raymond R.
Abstract
Phaleria macrocarpa is one of the plants originating from Indonesia that has been empirically known for its medicinal properties. The medicinal properties have also been scientifically revealed for the management of conditions related to chronic diseases, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and renal disorders. With regards to increased blood glucose, studies have proven that P. macrocarpa helps to lower blood glucose levels. These studies have proven that P. macrocarpa helps to lower blood glucose levels by reducing the activity of α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrate, thus further reduced the rate of glucose absorption. P. macrocarpa treatment was also able to significantly improve blood lipid profiles and its related parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride. It also showed improvements in genes and proteins that are associated to the regulation of cholesterol transport and homeostasis, including LDL-R, PCSK9 and CETP. Nephroprotective effect of P. macrocarpa was revealed by reduction in VEGF and TGF-α that are known to regulate angiogenic and cells proliferation. Effects of P. macrocarpa through various parameters and pathways making it highly favorable to be developed as the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases risk factor, especially in managing hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, as well as protecting the kidneys