A Computational Study of the Molecular Docking of Bioactive Compounds from Indonesian Medicinal Plants

2025-10-28T00:10:47+07:00

The growing interest in natural products as a source of bioactive compounds has led to the exploration of medicinal plants for their therapeutic potentials. Indonesia, with its rich biodiversity, is home to numerous medicinal plants, many of which have yet to be fully explored for their pharmacological activity. This research investigates the molecular docking of bioactive compounds derived from Indonesian medicinal plants to assess their potential interactions with various therapeutic targets. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the binding affinities and interactions of these compounds with proteins involved in diseases such as cancer and microbial infections. Using molecular docking simulations, a range of bioactive compounds were tested for their binding potential against selected targets. The findings revealed several promising compounds with high binding affinity and stability, indicating their potential as lead candidates for drug development. This computational study highlights the significant therapeutic potential of Indonesian medicinal plants and provides a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The results suggest that these natural products could contribute to the development of novel pharmacological agents, particularly in the fight against cancer and infections.

The Ecological Impact of Volcanic Ash Deposition from Mount Semeru’s Eruption on Soil Microbial Communities and Plant Succession

2025-10-28T00:14:54+07:00

Volcanic eruptions are powerful geological events that drastically alter terrestrial ecosystems, yet the specific ecological recovery mechanisms, particularly the interplay between soil microbiology and vegetation, remain underexplored. The recent eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia deposited significant layers of volcanic ash, creating a unique natural laboratory to study primary succession. This research aimed to analyze the ecological impact of this ash deposition on the composition of soil microbial communities and the subsequent patterns of plant succession in the affected areas. The study employed a field survey method across a gradient of ash deposition thickness. Soil samples were collected for DNA metabarcoding to analyze bacterial and fungal community structures, while vegetation quadrats were established to monitor plant species recolonization and growth over a 12-month period. The results revealed a significant initial reduction in microbial diversity in heavily impacted soils, with a subsequent shift towards communities dominated by stress-tolerant, chemoautotrophic bacteria. This altered microbial landscape was strongly correlated with the emergence of pioneer plant species adapted to nutrient-poor volcanic substrates. The study concludes that volcanic ash deposition fundamentally resets soil microbial ecosystems, and this shift is a critical determining factor that directly governs the trajectory and composition of early-stage plant succession.

Research of Scientia Naturalis

A Computational Study of the Molecular Docking of Bioactive Compounds from Indonesian Medicinal Plants

The Ecological Impact of Volcanic Ash Deposition from Mount Semeru’s Eruption on Soil Microbial Communities and Plant Succession