ONE of the biological riches of the Indonesian ocean that has the potential to be developed as a supplement to prevent colorectal cancer is green algae (Chlorella vulgaris). Chlorella vulgaris is a microalgae from the green algae group that is often cultivated for various pharmaceutical purposes.
This is a research conducted by five UGM students consisting of Umar Surya Kusuma Atmaja (Medicine), Indira Aulia Rahma (Pharmacy), Rifai Miftach Fauzan (Nursing), Clarasakti Suryani Gollu (Science and Chemistry), and Vemi Rahmayani (Science and Chemistry). They are members of the 2024 Student Creativity Week-Exact Research (PKM-RE) research group under the guidance of Dr.rer.nat. apt. Arko Jatmiko Wicaksono and Dr. drh. Pamungkas Bagus Satriyo from the Herbal Medicine Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM.
“This research is expected to determine the potential activity of compounds contained in green algae once morest protein targets in colorectal cancer,” said Umar as team leader on Thursday (18/7) via a press release.
He explained that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, following lung cancer and breast cancer. In Indonesia itself, a study released in 2020 showed that deaths from colorectal cancer (234,511 cases) were the fourth highest among other deaths from cancer. Therefore, prevention of colorectal cancer needs to be a serious concern.
He gave an example, green algae are used for supplements and as cosmetic ingredients. A study published in 2023, showed that green algae extract (Chlorella vulgaris) has the potential to inhibit cancer through the apoptosis mechanism. However, other studies show that the effects that occur still need to be studied in more depth.
For that reason. intensively identify the content of active compounds in green algae using advanced methods of Gas Chromatographyâ Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), tracking antioxidant activity, to conducting confirmation tests through in silico experiments.
On the other hand, from the production side, the cultivation of green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) itself has begun in 26 provinces in Indonesia. “Which means, if this research is successful, the need for raw material supply for green algae production can be met domestically,” added Umar.
This is in line with the spirit of realizing national health resilience through independence of pharmaceutical raw materials. Although still very early, this research has the potential to play an important role as a foothold for the development of science for future medical purposes. (N-2)
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