Growing wild across Indonesia’s fields and gardens, Physalis angulata — locally known as ciplukan — has long been part of traditional remedies. Its small lantern-like husks hide sweet, tangy fruits, but its leaves and stems hold an even greater secret: potent medicinal compounds.

A Universitas Padjadjaran research team led by Dr. Hesti Lina Wiraswati tested ethanol extracts of ciplukan on laboratory fibroblast cells to evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities. The experiments revealed that the extract not only neutralized harmful free radicals but also suppressed inflammatory markers and inhibited the migration of fibrosis-related cells.

Analytically, the suppression of HIF-1α and IL-6 — two key genes linked to tissue scarring — provides a biological explanation for the plant’s healing properties. This supports its potential in preventing or treating fibrotic diseases, where excessive scar tissue damages organs.

By translating a common plant into a scientifically validated therapeutic candidate, the study bridges traditional knowledge with modern medicine, offering a sustainable, locally sourced health solution aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 15: Life on Land.

West Java, Indonesia — Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran have discovered that natural compounds found in black pepper (Piper nigrum) may help suppress cancer at the molecular level, offering a new pathway for low-cost and accessible cancer treatment.

The in silico (computer-aided) study was conducted by Dr. Hesti Lina Wiraswati from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with experts in pharmacy and computational biology. Their findings suggest that specific secondary metabolites from black pepper can bind effectively to cancer-related proteins such as EGFR, CYP, AIF, and MAO-B—molecules that are involved in cancer cell growth and survival.

“This research gives us early evidence that Indonesia’s everyday plants may hold untapped therapeutic potential,” said Dr. Wiraswati. “We focused on natural compounds that are already consumed in diets, which makes future development potentially safer and more accessible.”

The virtual screening showed strong binding activities that may lead to apoptosis (programmed cancer cell death) and block pathways that tumors rely on to spread. These discoveries pave the way for future lab and clinical studies to develop plant-based cancer therapies—especially important in low-resource settings.

The study promotes self-reliant health innovation, drawing from Indonesia’s own biodiversity, and offers sustainable alternatives to costly, synthetic drugs. If developed further, these compounds could reduce dependency on imported cancer medications.

This research contributes directly to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by exploring new, natural approaches to cancer treatment, and to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through the use of local, plant-based sources. It reflects Universitas Padjadjaran’s growing role as a leader in affordable, sustainable healthcare innovation and strengthens its position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

In a critical step toward improving infectious disease control, researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) have uncovered key factors that prevent private doctors in Indonesia from following national guidelines in treating tuberculosis (TB)—a disease that still claims over a million lives globally each year.
The study was led by Dr. Bony Wiem Lestari from the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, and Unpad’s Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease. Their findings were recently published in the internationally recognized BMJ Global Health Journal.
Addressing a Silent Crisis in TB Management
Indonesia is one of the world’s highest TB burden countries, and over 60% of patients first seek care from private doctors. But when those practitioners lack diagnostic tools, training, or clear coordination with public health services, it can lead to delayed diagnosis, mistreatment, and continued transmission of TB—including its drug-resistant strains.
To explore this challenge, the Unpad team conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 24 private practitioners and 6 key stakeholders in Bandung, West Java. They found that unclear guidelines, complex referral systems, lack of diagnostic access, and limited incentives all contribute to poor adherence to standard TB protocols.
“We Can’t Fix What We Don’t Understand”
“This study gives voice to the challenges that many private doctors face on the ground,” said Dr. Lestari. “By listening to them, we can start designing practical reforms—like clearer policies, better training, and stronger public-private partnerships—that improve care for everyone.”
The researchers emphasized that collaboration—not blame—is key to improving TB outcomes. Strengthening links between private providers and the national TB program could ensure patients are diagnosed faster, treated correctly, and monitored effectively, all while improving trust in the system.
From Evidence to Impact
The findings of this study have important implications not only for Indonesia, but also for other countries with mixed public-private health systems. Solutions like harmonizing TB guidelines, improving referral infrastructure, and empowering private doctors through supportive policies can directly lead to better patient outcomes.
By promoting transparency, integration, and local ownership of health policy, the research also supports broader goals such as antimicrobial resistance prevention, data accuracy, and sustainable healthcare financing.

Strengthening Global Goals from West Java
This work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, by supporting stronger TB control strategies. It also aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through its emphasis on multi-sectoral collaboration.
By addressing real-world systemic barriers and offering evidence-based solutions, Universitas Padjadjaran once again reinforces its role as a regional leader in public health research—and strengthens its impact contribution to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

The full article is available in BMJ Global Health: https://gh.bmj.com/content/9/12/e015261

At just 12 years old, a child in Indonesia was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare type of cancer — Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). This soft-tissue tumor is slow-growing but can be aggressive if not detected early.

Dr. Eva Krishna Sutedja from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran documented the case to help clinicians worldwide recognize the signs and optimize treatment. The tumor appeared as a firm, skin-colored mass on the child’s back, gradually enlarging over months. Its rarity in pediatric cases makes diagnosis challenging, often leading to delays.

Detailed pathological analysis confirmed the DFSP diagnosis, and surgical removal was performed to prevent spread. From an analytical standpoint, this case underscores the importance of awareness among healthcare providers — unusual skin growths in children should not be overlooked or dismissed as benign without thorough examination.

By sharing this case, the team aims to improve early detection rates and treatment success, ultimately reducing the physical and emotional toll on young patients and their families.

The work contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, showing how rare disease research can inform better clinical practices. It also enhances Universitas Padjadjaran’s reputation for contributing valuable global medical knowledge, reinforcing its position in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Natural remedies have long been part of Indonesia’s health traditions, but modern science is now confirming their potential. Dr. Enny Rohmawaty from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cymbopogon nardus — commonly known as citronella.

In laboratory studies using 3T3-L1 cells, ethanol extracts from the plant demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammatory markers and neutralize harmful free radicals. These findings are significant because oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are linked to a wide range of diseases, from diabetes to cardiovascular disorders.

From an analytical perspective, the study’s results suggest citronella compounds act on multiple cellular pathways, offering a dual benefit: preventing cell damage and calming inflammation. This could lead to the development of affordable, plant-based therapies that align with Indonesia’s biodiversity and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.

Such research supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, proving that sustainable health solutions can come from local resources. Universitas Padjadjaran’s commitment to bridging traditional knowledge and modern science strengthens its role as a global innovator in the THE Impact Rankings.