Prolactin is one of the important hormones for increasing the synthesis and secretion of breast milk. Katuk (Sauropus androgunus (L) Merr) leaf biscuits are standardized and practical processed food products that are substituted with katuk leaf extract and have met the requirements as additional food for breastfeeding mothers. In addition to nutritional content, katuk leaf biscuits also contain phytochemical compounds, namely steroids and alkaloids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of katuk leaf biscuits on increasing serum prolactin levels of breastfeeding mothers. This research was conducted in the city of Bandung. The design used was a randomized controlled trial. The sample was 45 primiparous postpartum mothers who gave birth at the public health center for Obstetrics and Neonatal Basic Emergency Services (Puskesmas PONED) in Bandung City, consisting of 22 treatment groups and 23 control groups. Sampling is conducted by block randomization. Data were analyzed using the Independent T-test. The results showed that there was an effect of katuk leaf biscuits on increasing serum prolactin levels in breastfeeding mothers. It is suggested that katuk leaf biscuits be used as an alternative as an effort to increase breast milk production so that it can support the success of exclusive breastfeeding.
An emphasize on herbal medicine in cancer therapy is also included as an example of translational research implementation. A translational research in Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjajaran, has been conducted to develop a novel genomic approach (herbal genomic) on herbal crude extracts. This study focuses on the effects of the extracts on specific gene expressions. In this aspect, the concept of molecular targets is slightly different from pharmaceutical approaches that aim to find compounds that interact with a specific molecule or macromolecule with known function. In this research strategy, the herbal genomic approaches involve screening of herbal extracts that affect particular gene expression related to cell responses rather than a single proteins. The determination of herbal concentration is based on differential gene expression before and after treatment which is analyzed by real time PCR. The results are being compared to the existing small molecule (active molecule) on the gene expressions. All these academic activities require biomedical research workforce to implement the translational research which, in the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, is fulfilled by involving the postgraduate students. New crude extract formulation plus specific gene expression profile is a concept required for developing chemotherapeutic agent in Indonesia. Hopefully, this review can support increased cooperation between hospital and academic institutions in implementing translational research in Indonesia.
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