Even though aging is a natural phenomenon, most people try to fight it by using anti-aging cosmetics that can reduce signs of aging in the face. According to Dr. apt. Syamsu Nur, S.Farm., M.Sc., student of the Doctor of Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Pharmacy UI, cosmetics with anti-aging claims are increasingly spreading. Unfortunately, most of them contain synthetic active ingredients that have detrimental effects in the long term. On the other hand, treatments based on natural ingredients are increasingly popular. This happened because more people feel safer using natural cosmetics due to the minimal side effects.
According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the world’s population believes in herbal medicine because of the therapeutic effects of natural ingredients. Indonesia is blessed with millions of medicinal plants. The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency in its press release in 2020 revealed that Indonesia has at least 30,000 plant species that can be used as herbal medicines. Therefore, research continues to explore natural ingredients that can be used as treatments, including active ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics.
In his research, Dr. Syamsu discovered the potential of the root extract fraction of the Curculigo latifolia plant, or known as marasi or congkok, as anti-aging. Curculigo latifolia is a local Indonesian plant spread across regions, such as Sumatra, Bangka, Kalimantan, Java, and Sulawesi. It is often cultivated at home. The result showed that the root extract of the Congkok plant can delay signs of aging.
Congkok can be an anti-aging because it contains antioxidants, anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and supports the growth of fibroblast cells. Dr. Syamsu also found that the compounds kurkapital, kurlatifolia-SN, luteolin, and alpha-amyrin glycosides in the root extract of the congkok plant play an important role in preventing aging. These compounds are new and have not been found in other plant species.
The results provided great benefits in the world of cosmetics. The findings may contribute to the development of anti-aging cosmetic products with natural and effective ingredients. By exploring Indonesia’s natural riches, such as the Curculigo latifolia plant, solutions for anti-aging can be discovered with minimal side effects and maximum benefits.
Dr. Syamsu succeeded in obtaining the title of Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Phytochemistry. The promotion session was held in the Faculty of Pharmacy UI on Friday (12/1). Morrison was graduated with a summa cum laude and GPA of 4.00. Dr. Syamsu also managed to complete his studies for only five semesters.
