The event began with a joint exercise with the FKG UGM academic community and a healthy walk around the health cluster campus. 

As one of the oldest and leading faculties in Indonesia, FKG UGM has made significant contributions to education, research, and community service in the field of dentistry. 

This Dies Natalis celebration is an important moment for reflection, evaluation, and planning strategic steps to achieve the faculty’s vision and mission in the future.

“Various events will be held during the 77th Dies Natalis of FKG UGM. The most important aspect of all activities is togetherness. We aim to enhance the sense of unity among the academic community and strengthen the relationship between FKG UGM and the public,” said the Dean of FKG UGM, Professor Suryono, at the FKG UGM parking lot on Friday (Jan. 24).

Dean Suryono hopes to increase public awareness of dentistry with this year’s celebration. He emphasized that collaboration, innovation, and integrity are always prioritized in every FKG UGM activity. 

“These principles have been the foundation of FKG UGM’s success to this day. We hope that through this Dies Natalis celebration, we can all collectively embrace a brighter future, with a commitment to continue developing dental science and services for the progress of the nation and the country,” he added.

The opening ceremony was marked by the cutting of a tumpeng by the Dean of FKG, accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK UGM), the Dean of Pharmacy, faculty leaders, lecturers, students, and staff within the health cluster. 

The event was enlivened by the opening of Pasar Kangen, tug-of-war competitions, Angguk dance performances, music by lecturers and students, and the distribution of door prizes.

Dr. Isti Rahayu Suryani, as the organizing committee chairperson, stated that the theme for the 77th Dies Natalis of FKG UGM is “Digital Dentistry: Enhancing Efficiency in Indonesia’s Health Transformation.” 

She believes that increasing her understanding of Digital Dentistry will provide deeper insights into the development of digital technology in dentistry. 

“Of course, this poses a challenge—how to implement such technology to improve the efficiency and quality of dental health services in Indonesia,” she explained.

Dr. Suryani expressed her hopes that the series of events for the 77th Dies Natalis of FKG UGM would strengthen the relationship between FKG UGM and the community. The academic community of FKG UGM is expected to build closer ties with the wider community, particularly in the field of dentistry. 

“We aim to increase the faculty’s tangible contribution to advancing the health sector in Indonesia. Through this Dies Natalis, we hope that FKG UGM can make a significant contribution to the progress of dentistry in Indonesia, which is in line with the current digital transformation,” she added.

Following the opening, a number of events are set to enliven the 77th Dies Natalis celebration of FKG UGM. 

These include community service activities in the form of outreach conducted by all elements of the academic community of FKG UGM on Feb. 8, 2025, in Pagilaran, Central Java. 

There will also be a Fun Run and Family Gathering on Feb. 22, 2025. The Fun Run, themed “Together in Healthy Steps,” is expected to be a sports event that fosters camaraderie and strengthens family ties. 

Meanwhile, the FKG UGM Family Gathering will be a reunion event that strengthens the bonds between alumni, the extended family, and the academic community of FKG UGM.

The Dies Natalis event will be highlighted by a Symposium, Hands-on Workshop, and Dental Exhibition on Feb. 27 and 28, 2025, at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM). 

Around 500 participants are expected to attend, including students, dental hygienists, dentists, dental specialists, researchers, and practitioners in the field of dentistry. 

Other activities include a spiritual gathering (tirakatan) and a communal iftar on Mar. 4, 2025, in the OECF Building Atrium. 

The climax of the event will be the Open Senate Meeting for the 77th Dies Natalis of FKG UGM and a Wayang Orang performance on Mar. 5, 2025, at the Margono Soeradji Auditorium of FKG UGM.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Faculty of Dentistry Marks 77th Anniversary with Digital Dentistry Commitment pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The three newly installed professors are Professor Sri Kuswandari, Professor Heni Susilowati, and Professor Dewi Agustina.

Professor Dewi Agustina, inaugurated in geriatric oral diseases, delivered a speech titled “Improving Oral Health to Achieve Optimal Quality of Life for the Elderly.” 

According to Professor Agustina, a noticeable global population increase, including in Indonesia, leads to a growing number of elderly individuals. 

This creates unique challenges in healthcare, including oral health. 

“Oral health has not yet become a priority, resulting in deteriorating oral health and function as people age. This is also influenced by the concept of ageism, commonly accepted by the elderly,” she said.

Ageism reflects the attitude of elderly individuals who accept their deteriorating oral condition as natural and inevitable, seeing it as part of aging rather than a problem. This causes the elderly to feel less motivated to improve their oral condition. 

“Deteriorating oral health in the elderly is not merely due to aging but is also the result of accumulated oral diseases that have long been neglected,” she explained.

Professor Agustina also mentioned that many systemic diseases or their treatments manifest in the oral cavity and, conversely, oral diseases can affect the management of systemic diseases, even increasing the risk of systemic illness. 

“This connection is increasingly evident in elderly care, as most elderly individuals have compromised medical conditions,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Professor Susilowati, inaugurated in the field of oral microbiology and immunology, delivered a speech titled “The Role of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Oral Cavity Infections.” 

In her presentation, Professor Susilowati emphasized the importance of comprehensive oral health care for all children through occlusal guidance.

Occlusal guidance involves guiding the eruption and development of teeth from the milk teeth phase through the mixed and permanent phases to achieve stable, functional, and aesthetically acceptable permanent teeth.

Orthodontic treatment results in children will not be stable if bad oral habits are not stopped. Therefore, dentists need to introduce comprehensive dental care concepts to children.

Cooperation between dentists, maternal and child healthcare providers, maternity hospitals, and midwives is essential.

Early intervention is needed to prevent malocclusion or abnormal teeth and jaw alignment, even from birth. Physiological stimulation is crucial to supporting the normal growth of the craniofacial complex. 

“Recognizing and stopping children’s bad oral habits early on will prevent the development of malocclusion,” she explained.

Professor in pediatric dentistry Sri Kuswandari delivered a speech titled “Improving Oral Health to Achieve Optimal Quality of Life for the Elderly.” 

According to her, dry mouth, a condition caused by reduced saliva production, commonly occurs in the elderly and is often a side effect of uncontrolled systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and regular medication use, such as antihypertensives. 

“Dry mouth makes the elderly more prone to oral infections such as gum disease and cavities due to poor oral hygiene,” she explained.

According to Professor Kuswandari, gum disease and cavities can cause the elderly to experience pain in their teeth and mouth, eating difficulties, and a loss of confidence, ultimately lowering their quality of life. 

“In healthcare, quality of life is generally assessed based on overall health, while oral health is often overlooked,” she added.

She presented research conducted at elderly health centers in Yogyakarta, which showed that around 70% of the elderly have very low oral health-related quality of life. Poor oral health is the result of inadequate oral care, which makes the mouth unable to fulfill its functions.

Professor Kuswandari shared tips for the elderly to improve their oral health and achieve optimal quality of life, including maintaining oral hygiene, managing diagnosed systemic diseases, seeking further examinations if abnormal symptoms or signs arise, quitting smoking, stopping mouth breathing, and managing psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. 

“Equally important is staying hydrated with at least 1.5 liters of water per day, having regular dental check-ups every six months, and never neglecting oral health,” she concluded.

Authors: Kezia Dwina Nathania and Tiefany Ruwaida Nasukha

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM Installs Three Professors from Faculty of Dentistry pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This award, granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, is given to individuals with an outstanding track record in implementing the tri-dharma and who have created various innovations that contribute to society.  

According to Professor Ana, her Academic Leader award signifies a new responsibility or mandate from Universitas Gadjah Mada and the government. The mandate refers explicitly to how an academic leader can encourage the emergence of more young leaders for our shared future. 

“For me, this award is a new responsibility from UGM and the government on how an academic leader can encourage more young leaders to emerge for our shared future in the health sector,” she stated.  

Professor Ana conveyed that her achievement would not have been possible without the support of many people and that many parties were involved in supporting the execution of her contributions. 

According to her, lecturers and researchers should be engaged in discussions and provided with facilities to support research execution, while the government should act as a matchmaker between researchers, practitioners, and the industry. 

“I think we lecturers and researchers need to be engaged in dialogue, given challenges, and provided with facilities. What do we want to achieve in a given time? The government must also act as a matchmaker between researchers, practitioners, and industry,” Professor Ana said.  

As for the professor’s contributions in the academic field, one of them includes mentoring, research, and publications in internationally reputable journals with Q1 and Q2 indices. 

Additionally, Professor Ana has created three innovative products with significant benefits and impact in the medical world. 

These innovative products are carbonate apatite (CHA)–based bone grafts, CHA-based hemostatic sponges for dental-maxillofacial surgery, and CHA-based hemostatic sponges for general surgery.  

She explained that the driving force behind her contributions is to ease the burden borne by patients, whether financial burdens or difficulties in obtaining healthy tissue for autografts, a procedure that transfers healthy tissue to diseased tissue. 

“Initially, of course, we tried to focus on developing our research according to the roadmap we had created. At some point, we realized that our research could ease patients’ burdens by replacing existing products in the market that were imported and expensive or through methods requiring healthy tissue transplantation to the diseased tissue,” Professor Ana explained.  

The use of CHA active ingredients in her innovative products has made the hemostatic sponge from her research widely applicable in society and even surpasses imported medical products. 

“Now, if we look at the medical device market in Indonesia, thank God, our hemostatic sponge product has proven superior with its CHA active ingredient and is widely used, surpassing and replacing imported products,” She said.  

Professor Ana’s innovative products also have the advantages of being produced with advanced technology, are environmentally friendly, and are comparatively cheaper than imported products. Additionally, they have the potential for future regenerative therapies. 

“Our innovations are produced with advanced, environmentally friendly technology, cheaper than imported medical devices, and have potential for future regenerative therapies,” she added.  

Professor Ana faced many challenges and obstacles while researching how to create these innovative products. One of the challenges in conducting her research is that Indonesia’s research climate and system still need improvement to achieve greater benefits. 

“The challenge is Indonesia’s research climate and system, which still need to be collectively built towards greater benefits. Researchers must also contribute to this by continuously advancing their research in their respective fields,” she said.  

Author: Hanif  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Artikel Professor Ika Dewi Ana of UGM Wins Academic Leader Award in Health pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“The habit of not brushing teeth is the main cause of the rising cases of dental issues,” said Professor Suryono, Dean of the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), during the opening ceremony of the National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2024 on Tuesday (Dec. 17) at the FKG UGM campus.  

To raise public awareness about the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, FKG UGM, in collaboration with PT Unilever Indonesia, organized a community service program on Dec. 17-19. 

The program provided free dental checkups and treatments to 880 patients, including the general public, school students, and children with special needs. 

“The program includes a series of dental health activities, such as free checkups and treatments for university students, elementary school students, the public, and children with special needs, as well as education through Teledentistry, utilizing online applications for dental consultations,” he explained.  

Professor Suryono expressed his gratitude to Unilever for its 15 years of collaboration with FKG UGM, consistently providing support and excellent facilities for community service initiatives in Yogyakarta. 

This year’s BKGN theme is “Dare to Show Your Smile, Support a Stronger Indonesia.” Professor Suryono hopes this event will raise public awareness about maintaining oral health. 

“This support enables us to provide free dental and oral health services to the surrounding community, including through regular BKGN activities,” he said.  

The Chairperson of BKGN 2024, Silviana Farrah Diba, reported that BKGN’s main activities began with a Training of Trainers (TOT) session to educate elementary school teachers on proper toothbrushing techniques. 

This training involved five elementary schools in Yogyakarta: SDIT Asyudit, SLB Negeri 2 Yogyakarta, SD Budi Utama, KBRA Baitur Rahman, and SDIT Bakti Insani.  

Following this, a Roadshow School Health Program (SHP) was conducted at each school, engaging 742 students. The program included dental health counseling and distributing toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

FKG UGM also initiated the Student Ambassador Program in collaboration with the 1000 Guru Foundation and Pepsodent.  

UGM’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, commended FKG UGM for its commitment to community service. 

“UGM fully supports initiatives like this, which benefit the community and encourage new collaborations to expand dental health services,” he stated.  

Dr. Sujito highlighted that BKGN is an event for dental health checkups and has a significant sociological impact. 

As a university prioritizing the tri-dharma of higher education, UGM will continue to support and strengthen community service activities regularly on campus and in other regions to maximize the university’s contributions.  

The Head of Professional Marketing Personal Care at Unilever Indonesia, Ratu Mirah Afifah, revealed that the number of dental and oral disease cases remains high, according to data from the 2018 Riskesdas and the latest 2023 health survey. 

“Over the past 15 years, BKGN has benefited more than 1.1 million Indonesians, thanks to the contributions of over 25,000 dentists across Indonesia,” she said.  

Afifah noted enhancements in the Tanya Tanya Gigi by Pepsodent online dental consultation service launched in 2020 as part of its improvement efforts. 

Over the past two years, Unilever has also developed diversity and inclusion initiatives involving patients from special education schools within FKG and RSGM environments. 

“We aim to ensure that all community members, including those with special needs, benefit from this program,” she added.  

BKGN represents a collaboration between FKG UGM and Unilever through the Pepsodent brand, the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), various affiliates, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Its mission is to help Indonesians overcome oral and dental health issues, particularly cavities.  

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM and Unilever Provide Free Dental Checkups for 880 People pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Without good oral health, the general quality of life, such as eating, speaking, and socializing, will be impaired. 

Unfortunately, the availability of dental health professionals is still very limited. The high disparity between dentists and dental nurses across regions in Indonesia leaves many communities underserved and poorly informed about oral health. 

This issue is also prevalent among PT Pagilaran communities in Batang, Central Java. The health clinic, which should have been utilized for the welfare of staff, their families, and nearby residents, has long been out of operation.

Responding to this concern, the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), along with Prof Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM), UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), and the Directorate of Community Service, organized a community service program on Saturday (Nov. 9) that included dental and general health check-ups for residents around PT Pagilaran. 

This event also marked a series of activities for UGM’s 75th Anniversary. 

The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sudjito, stated that PT Pagilaran, as part of UGM’s business unit, is expected to be a site of economic production as well as knowledge production and community service. 

The new management at PT Pagilaran is anticipated to bring changes, including benefits for the surrounding community. 

“This activity is one way to manage the trust of the pager mangkok (local community) as our closest partners to face many challenges ahead,” said Dr. Sudjito.

He believes the company’s presence will bring prosperity and improve the quality of life for the surrounding residents. 

Dr. Sudjito also emphasized the continuity of the community service program, which is a collaboration between the company and various units at UGM, so that it does not end abruptly, given the significant potential for knowledge production. 

“Earlier, I heard from Professor Bundi that the dust waste from tea leaves in the factory can be an alternative active compound that can be used for dental health products,” he said.

Dr. Sudjito advised that PT Pagilaran, as UGM’s natural laboratory, should become a legitimate platform for implementing the tri-dharma of higher education, integrating teaching, research, and community service simultaneously.

Professor Widowati Siswomihardjo, as the initiator of the community service program, shared her memories of visiting PT Pagilaran 35 years ago when she was a young doctor. 

“At that time, the clinic was operating well, and doctors were available, but everything changed when I brought my doctoral program students here last year. I immediately thought something needed to be done, especially since this company is part of UGM,” she recalled.

Professor Siswomihardjo, commonly known as Bundi, then conducted a screening at SD Negeri Keteleng, the company’s nearest educational facility. 

The results of the mass screening showed that while the students did not display signs of stunting, dental health became a primary issue that needed immediate attention. 

“From that screening, I reported to the Dean of FKG UGM and Vice-Rector Arie Sudjito. Alhamdulillah, it received a positive response and was incorporated into UGM’s Anniversary events,” she shared. 

Professor Bundi explained that dental health undoubtedly improves a person’s quality of life, so she hopes this community service program will continue and not merely be a formality for the anniversary celebration.

The President Director of PT Pagilaran, Hadianto Djoko Djuliarso, who was just appointed two months ago, expressed hope regarding opportunities for community empowerment through collaboration with UGM. 

As a labor-intensive company employing 1,100 workers, he wants the staff and their families to experience benefits and well-being in other forms, including regular health check-ups provided by UGM’s health cluster. 

“I hope that future empowerment programs will emerge and bring benefits not only to the staff and their families but also to the surrounding community of PT Pagilaran,” he concluded.

Doctors and co-assistant students currently serving at RSGM and RSA UGM conducted dental and oral health check-ups and general health check-ups. 

The dental examinations were tailored to the patient’s needs, including initial check-ups, tooth extractions, fillings, and consultations for other dental complaints. 

Meanwhile, general health check-ups included monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid and consultations for other general health concerns. 

The health check-ups were divided into two locations: at PT Pagilaran for staff and their families and SD Negeri Keteleng as a follow-up to the screening conducted in 2023.

Author/Photographer: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel Free Health Check-Up Program Benefits Residents Near Pagilaran Tea Plantation pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Senja Gurau was made even more vibrant by the harmonious sounds of the Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra’s (GMCO) String Quintet. 

The performance also featured the Denta Orchestra, Kombantrin (English Department Band), and an Alumni Band.

The event grew livelier with interactive banter led by hosts Anang Batas, Dibyo Primus, Bambang Gundul, and Fira Sasmita.

One of the attendees, Marshanda, shared how much she enjoyed the musical event. 

“After a stressful day at the hospital during my clinical rounds, it’s great to have this fun singing and eating event here at the faculty. It’s such a fun event,” said this dental medicine student.

For Marshanda, this event feels like a “welcome weekend” for students.

“It’s a great way to de-stress before the weekend. Plus, it’s really fun to get free food and hang out with friends and professors here,” she said. 

She added that such events are essential for bringing together students from different batches and for strengthening bonds between students and faculty.

Echoing Marshanda’s sentiments, Alfia, who had attended lectures and lab sessions before her clinical rounds, felt refreshed by the musical entertainment. 

“It’s usually quiet around campus at this time, so having this music performance is really enjoyable. It’s rare to have events like this where you can sit and chat with friends until late at night,” Alfia said.

Dr. Margareta Rinastiti, Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at FKG UGM, expressed her appreciation for Senja Gurau. 

“We are delighted to have events like this because, amid the students’ busy schedules, it provides a refreshing break,” Dr. Rinastiti said, adding that she had also performed during the event.

She noted that entertainment like this could help encourage students to maintain their mental health. 

“I think this event can also be an opportunity for cross-faculty interaction. Even though several faculties are represented here, there is still room for improvement in connecting across faculties. Alumni attendance can also inspire current students,” she explained.

Dr. Cendrawasih Andusyana Framasyanti, a faculty member at FKG UGM who also performed during the event, shared that Senja Gurau also brings a fresh breeze to UGM staff. 

“I personally love music, so I really appreciate the initiative by the Directorate of Education and Teaching to organize such an event,” she said.

As an orthodontist, Dr. Framasyanti often hears about students facing psychological challenges. 

She hopes that events like this can help students get to know their peers from other faculties and serve as a form of “healing” for students and staff.

Dr. Framasyanti also suggested incorporating tips and strategies into future Senja Gurau events. 

She recommended inviting psychology experts to discuss topics related to mental health, such as how to cope with difficult situations or study tips for students. 

“For example, it features tips on graduating on time, which could involve collaboration with alumni who have successfully graduated on time and with good grades,” she concluded.

Reporter: B. Diah Listianingsih  

Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel Senja Gurau: UGM Students and Faculty Bond Over Music and Joyful Evening pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Traditional remineralization therapies often use ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate) paste, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance.

To address this issue, a team of students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has successfully developed a nanospray that combines snail shells (Achatina fulica) and red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as agents for tooth remineralization and antibacterial protection against the bacteria responsible for tooth demineralization.

This team, part of the Student Creativity Program in Exact Science Research (PKM-RE), includes Natalia Gabriella Suryawibowo, Tiara Ayu Fitrah Haidam, Hesya Nurulum Yunitasari, Moh. Burhannudin (all from the Faculty of Dentistry), and Deta Stephanie Purba (Faculty of Pharmacy), with guidance from Dr. Archadian Nuryanti, a lecturer in the Biomedical Department at UGM’s Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM).

The students innovatively utilized snail shells, which are rich in calcium, to create ACP. This was then combined with CMC (carboxymethyl chitosan) to serve as a binding agent in restoring calcium and phosphate ions to the teeth. 

“This discovery was further enhanced with the addition of ginger. Its essential oil acts as a freshener and helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cause demineralization. The combination of these two ingredients is effective for tooth remineralization,” explained Natalia Suryawibowo, the team leader, on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

She elaborated that remineralization replaces calcium and phosphate minerals that have begun to erode from the teeth. Remineralization is crucial to prevent tooth decay and maintain strong teeth against bacteria, acids, and sugars in food.

The creation of the nanospray begins with the preparation of snail shells, which are processed into ACP and combined with CMC to produce CMC/ACP powder. Red ginger is then separated to extract its essential oil. 

“The two are combined to create the nanospray formula,” she explained.

According to Suryawibowo, preliminary research results show that after spraying on the teeth, SEM (scanning electron microscope) images revealed that the nanospray effectively seals the diameter of the dentin tubules. Its small particle size and wide distribution allow it to penetrate the dentin tubules. 

“The combination of snail shells and red ginger is effective for tooth remineralization and combating bacteria,” added Hesya Nurulum Yunitasari.

Tiara Ayu Fitrah Haidam emphasized that their innovation is a novel research approach. It involves the antibacterial properties of red ginger in the oral cavity and using calcium from snail shells as the base material for ACP production. 

The team hopes this research will further support the development of snail shells and red ginger as a safe product for tooth remineralization therapy. 

“We hope this research can be continued until it becomes a marketable product that both the public and medical practitioners can use,” she said.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Develop Nanospray for Tooth Remineralization Using Snail Shells and Red Ginger pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The research on the chewing gum named “Draco-chew” was carried out by Fatimah Islamia, Tyasadwi Bumi, Lutfia Nur Shabrina, Desika Yuspina Nurhidayah, and Dyza Fathmasari Danisworo, all of whom are students from the 2023 batch of FKG UGM, under the guidance of Dr. Alma Linggar Jonarta from FKG UGM Oral Biology Department.

This research received funding from the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology through the 2024 Student Creativity Program in Exact Science Research (PKM-RE).

Regarding the name “Draco-chew,” Islamia explained that it combines the term “dragon fruit” (the source of the extract) with “chewing.” 

She mentioned that the product’s development was driven by the caries problem, which affects more than half of the global population. In Indonesia, tooth decay is the most prevalent dental issue. 

“This gum is intended as an educational tool, especially for elementary school children under parental supervision, to be used before brushing and before bedtime, so they can see the plaque on their teeth and brush immediately,” Islamia said in a statement to the press on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.  

Islamia explained that dragon fruit peel and flesh (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contain the red pigment betacyanin. Betacyanin is a natural food coloring that is safer than synthetic colorants and has antibacterial properties. 

“The coloring ability of betacyanin and its antibacterial properties make dragon fruit peel and flesh potentially valuable in dentistry,” she elaborated.

Draco-chew has been tested in vitro on tooth plaque cultures, including observations of color adhesion to the plaque and the gum’s plaque adhesion capability. 

The intensity of the dragon fruit extract’s color was compared with that of a disclosing solution, a standard plaque dye used in dentistry. 

“Betacyanin in the dragon fruit peel extract can color the tooth plaque, making it easier for people to detect plaque on areas of the teeth not reached by a toothbrush,” Shabrina, another team member, explained.

Shabrina noted that chewing gum can increase saliva production, which helps clean the oral cavity and remove immature tooth plaque. 

Thus, dragon fruit peel extract chewing gum has multiple uses: it detects or colors plaque, helps remove plaque and increases saliva production.

Although this is an initial study, further research is needed to improve the composition of Draco-chew gum and conduct additional tests to ensure safety and suitability for public consumption.

However, this innovation has the potential for mass production and could help improve brushing habits and prevent caries. 

“The gum is tested for toxicity and other factors so the public can widely use it. We hope it will help reduce tooth decay cases, especially among children,” she concluded.

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM Students Create Chewing Gum from Dragon Fruit Peel Extract to Remove Tooth Plaque pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The team, consisting of Ribka Wijayanti and Dwina Aulia (Dentistry 2022), Anisah Qurrotu Aini (Biology 2022), Naila Nurfadhilah, and Atikah Nur Hanifah (Pharmacy 2022), under the supervision of Professor Supriatno from the Faculty of Dentistry, has developed antioxidant compounds that inhibit cancer cell growth.

Tongue cancer results from proto-oncogene activity, which leads to excessive cell proliferation and the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. This uncontrolled growth forms tumors, which may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are what we refer to as cancer.

Current cancer treatments are continuously being developed, but the rapid spread of cancer cells throughout the body remains a significant challenge.

Ribka Wijayanti, a team member and a UGM Dentistry student, explained that Eleutherine bulbosa must undergo specialized processing to maximize its cancer treatment potential.

“Eleutherine bulbosa contains potent antioxidants, including isoliquiritigenin, isoeleutherine, flavonoids, and oxyresveratrol. These therapeutic compounds cannot be fully utilized using conventional extraction methods,” Wijayanti explained on Sunday (Aug. 4).

To optimize the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa and target specific organs, the UGM students used the Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticle (PDENs) method. This technique facilitates intercellular communication and strengthens immunity against pathogens. 

The research began by isolating PDENs from Eleutherine bulbosa using a polymer-based precipitation technique with PEG6000, resulting in a solution of Eleutherine bulbosa PDENs. 

“We tested the compound on human tongue cancer cells at various concentrations,” she added.

The results showed fewer living cancer cells due to apoptosis, with fewer cells proliferating at higher concentrations of Eleutherine bulbosa PDENs.

Dwina Aulia, a fellow team member from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry, emphasized that the lab results demonstrated the effectiveness of Eleutherine bulbosa, processed through the PDENs method, in inhibiting growth and killing human tongue cancer cells.

Although this research is still pre-clinical testing, further development could lead to new oral cancer treatments using herbal medicine. 

“This interdisciplinary collaboration has inspired us to continue exploring nature’s potential to enhance human life,” Aulia concluded.

Eleutherine bulbosa, originally from Kalimantan, is now cultivated in various regions, including by Danurejan (Yogyakarta) farming groups. Its cultivation is relatively easy, as Eleutherine bulbosa grows wild in Kalimantan’s forests.

Through intensive cultivation methods, Eleutherine bulbosa can be harvested within six months. 

“The ease of cultivation, care, and its numerous health benefits provide economic value that local MSMEs can capitalize on,” she noted.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photo: Warta Kaltim

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Students Explore Eleutherine bulbosa for Tongue Cancer Treatment pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

To support the government’s target of a caries-free Indonesia by 2030, a team of UGM students developed a new formulation for anti-caries candy based on nanotechnology using tempayang fruit extract (Sterculia lychnophora) and nanokitosan.

The UGM team consists of Salsabila Desti Winarno (Pharmacy 2022), Nabila Fahrida Rahma (Pharmacy 2022), Meilafaisa Wilis Alfidia (Chemistry 2022), Almadhitya Salsabila (Dentistry 2022), and Ade Zulfa Imania (Pharmacy 2022). 

The research was conducted over three months, from May to July 2024, under the guidance of UGM Pharmacy lecturer Dr. Marlyn Dian Laksitorini.

Almadhitya Salsabila mentioned that the idea of using tempayang fruit in this research is based on observations of the people in Pemalang who use it as traditional medicine. 

Even in literature, it is known that tempayang fruit extract has the potential to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria and the formation of biofilm on teeth.

The research team utilized tempayang fruit and nanokitosan as additional ingredients in the anti-caries candy formulation. Chitosan nanoparticles have been proven effective in enhancing antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. 

“Another advantage of chitosan nanoparticles is that they are biodegradable, biocompatible, and do not affect the aesthetics of teeth,” said Salsabila.

As is known, Streptococcus mutans bacteria convert sucrose into glucan using the enzyme glucosyltransferase, forming biofilm and producing acid. This process lowers the pH around the teeth, causing enamel and dentin demineralization. 

Another team member, Nabila Rahma, explained, “Therefore, we used xylitol and sorbitol as substitutes for sucrose.”

Rahma explained that using xylitol and sorbitol, which have high hydration properties, also helps maintain the chewy texture of gummy candy. This makes the candy easy to chew and gives it a good consistency. 

“Additionally, xylitol can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, reduce acid production that damages tooth enamel, and increase saliva production to neutralize plaque acidity,” she elaborated.

Rahma hopes this research can serve as a foundation for further development in dental health for children in Indonesia. 

Additionally, the research results can be applied in community service by creating modules or videos to enhance understanding and utilization of the product, which could also be a business opportunity. 

She concluded, “We hope this product helps maintain children’s oral and dental health and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for improving health and well-being.”

Author: Triya Andriyani  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Create Anti-Caries Candy from Nanokitosan and Tempayang Fruit pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.