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 Bitter Leaf, Sweet Promise: Traditional Plant Shows Power Against Brain Cancer in Unpad Study

Glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers, leaves patients and families with limited hope. But scientists at Universitas Padjadjaran, led by Dr. Fathul Huda from the Faculty of Medicine, are turning to a surprising ally: Vernonia amygdalina, known locally as daun Afrika or bitter leaf.

In laboratory tests, extracts of this plant were applied to glioblastoma cells. The results were striking—the compounds slowed cancer cell growth and triggered apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This echoes traditional uses of the plant in African medicine but grounds it in modern science.

Why does this matter? Glioblastoma is aggressive and resistant to most therapies. Natural, plant-based compounds like those from bitter leaf could complement existing treatments, offering patients safer, more affordable options.

For the public, the study reminds us that biodiversity holds untapped answers to urgent health problems. “Our local and global plants may carry the future of medicine,” Dr. Huda explains. Supporting sustainable cultivation ensures not just health benefits but also environmental resilience.

The discovery contributes to SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by valuing indigenous plants. Through this work, Unpad showcases Indonesia’s rich ecosystems as sources of solutions for global health crises.

In Bandung, where concerns about reproductive health are rising, researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran have uncovered an important link between vitamin D and male fertility. Dr. Andri Rezano and his team from the Faculty of Medicine set out to explore whether a common nutrient deficiency could quietly affect the dreams of families hoping for children.

The story begins in the laboratory, where sperm cells exposed to vitamin D showed less DNA damage—a factor strongly associated with infertility. DNA fragmentation in sperm is like a broken code, preventing healthy conception and leading to higher risks of miscarriage. By testing supplementation in vitro, the Unpad team demonstrated that vitamin D could help maintain genetic integrity.

This finding matters deeply for Indonesia, where vitamin D deficiency is prevalent due to lifestyle and environmental factors. “Something as simple as ensuring enough vitamin D may improve fertility outcomes,” the researchers note, pointing to the broader public health benefits of prevention through nutrition.

For families, the message is practical: sunlight, balanced diets, or supplementation could support reproductive health and reduce the burden of infertility treatments. On a larger scale, this aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), promoting healthier generations.

Universitas Padjadjaran’s research positions Indonesia as a global contributor to accessible fertility science, reinforcing its role in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings through community-focused innovation.

Glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest brain tumors, largely resistant to conventional therapies. A multidisciplinary Indonesian research team led by Prof. Ahmad Faried explored a novel approach: leveraging the secretome of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) to target oncogenic pathways in glioma.

The study demonstrated that hUCMSC-derived secretions exert cytotoxic effects on glioblastoma cells, while simultaneously downregulating key oncogenes such as HOX, IGFBP2, EGFR, and ERK. Importantly, they enhanced Caspase-3 expression, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells.

Laboratory assays confirmed the multipotent nature of the stem cells and their ability to produce secretomes rich in growth factors and cytokines. Unlike direct cell therapies, secretome-based treatments avoid risks of uncontrolled proliferation while retaining therapeutic potency.

The implications are significant. By modulating both tumor-intrinsic genes and the tumor microenvironment, hUCMSC secretomes may offer a safer and more effective adjunct to current therapies. Moreover, this approach could circumvent the limitations posed by the blood–brain barrier, which hampers traditional drug delivery.

Although further preclinical and clinical trials are required, the findings represent a bold step toward next-generation glioblastoma therapy. Harnessing natural biological secretions, rather than synthetic drugs alone, may transform the treatment landscape for one of oncology’s most formidable challenges.

This research advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by paving the way for innovative cancer therapies, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting sustainable biomedical approaches using natural biological products. Universitas Padjadjaran’s leadership in this cutting-edge field further strengthens its global impact and standing in the THE Impact Rankings.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has revolutionized vascular surgery, offering reduced early mortality compared to open surgery. Yet, rare complications can turn catastrophic, as illustrated in a recent case reported by Teguh Marfen Djajakusumah and colleagues.

The case involved a 65-year-old man who developed acute limb ischemia years after EVAR. Imaging revealed massive gas formation around the endograft and thrombosis of the iliac and femoral arteries. Despite amputation and aggressive care, the infection proved uncontrollable, and the patient succumbed to sepsis.

Microbiological analysis identified antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli as the causative pathogen. Histopathology demonstrated true vasculitis with chronic arteritis—an exceptionally rare presentation of endograft infection. The absence of replacement grafts precluded definitive surgical management, leaving only palliative amputation.

The authors stress that while endograft infections occur in less than 1% of EVAR cases, their mortality rate can exceed 70%. Early follow-up and routine imaging are essential for timely detection, as late infections may spread to adjacent arteries and cause irreversible ischemia.

This tragic case highlights both the progress and the perils of modern vascular interventions. It underscores the necessity of vigilant postoperative surveillance and rapid intervention when graft-related infections are suspected.

By raising awareness of rare but fatal complications, this study strengthens SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, emphasizing safer and more resilient health systems. It also demonstrates Universitas Padjadjaran’s critical role in global surgical research and contributes to its advancement in the THE Impact Rankings.

Keloids represent one of the most stubborn fibroproliferative disorders in dermatology, often resistant to standard therapies. Dr. Shinta Fitri Boesoirie documented a rare case of giant auricular keloids successfully managed through a combination of surgical excision and postoperative radiotherapy.

The patient, a young adult, presented with large, disfiguring keloids on both ears that interfered with daily activities and self-esteem. Simple excision was deemed insufficient due to the high risk of recurrence. Instead, the surgical removal was immediately followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, targeting residual fibroblast activity.

Histopathological examination confirmed dense collagen deposition typical of keloids, while the radiotherapy protocol effectively minimized fibroblast proliferation. Follow-up showed excellent cosmetic results, with no significant recurrence after months of observation.

The authors stress that the management of giant keloids requires a multidisciplinary strategy, balancing functional and cosmetic concerns. By combining surgery with radiotherapy, recurrence rates—often exceeding 50% with excision alone—can be markedly reduced.

This case adds valuable evidence supporting multimodal therapy in dermatologic surgery. For patients with large, recurrent, or refractory keloids, integrating radiotherapy into postoperative care may provide the best chance for durable remission.

The work advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by improving treatment options for patients with disfiguring conditions and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by showing how advanced care can be applied even in resource-limited settings. Through this, Universitas Padjadjaran reinforces its role as a driver of medical progress and contributor to the THE Impact Rankings.