Adli Febrian, Yenti Sumarni

Halal certification plays a crucial role in ensuring food compliance with Islamic law, yet its adoption among small food businesses in Indonesia remains limited. This case report addresses this gap by examining consumer perceptions and identifying the barriers faced by small restaurant owners in pursuing halal certification. The study was conducted at Rumah Makan Uda Denai in Bengkulu City, employing a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, and documentation, involving eight informants. Thematic analysis and data triangulation were employed to ensure the validity of the findings. Findings reveal a spectrum of consumer attitudes, ranging from formal reliance on certification to informal trust in the owner's religious commitment. The primary barrier identified is the owner's limited awareness and understanding of the certification process, which is further compounded by insufficient institutional support. These results underscore the need for targeted outreach and simplified certification mechanisms to support small enterprises. The study contributes to discussions on halal governance in microbusiness settings and highlights practical implications for policymakers and certifying bodies.

Halal Science

Mela Ashari

This study examines the impact of product knowledge and halal certification on consumers' purchase decisions for pharmaceutical products in Mojorejo Village, Madiun. Using a quantitative associative approach, data were collected from 100 respondents through questionnaires and interviews, employing stratified random sampling based on educational level. The research applied multiple linear regression analysis to examine the direct and combined effects of the independent variables on purchasing behavior. Results indicate that both product knowledge and halal certification have a significant positive influence on purchase decisions, both individually and simultaneously. The regression model yielded an R² value of 0.542, indicating that the independent variables explain 54.2% of the variance in purchasing decisions. Classical assumption tests confirmed the validity and reliability of the regression model. These findings suggest that pharmaceutical companies and health regulators should prioritize transparent halal certification and educational outreach, while policymakers can improve access to verified halal-certified pharmaceuticals.

Halal Science

Sinta Apriliana, Ulul Azmi Mustofa

Halal certification serves as a formal assurance that products comply with Islamic law, making it increasingly important in Muslim-majority markets, such as Indonesia. However, many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) still lack certification due to limited awareness and procedural challenges. This study aims to assess the level of awareness and understanding of halal certification among MSMEs in Iringmulyo, East Metro, and identify barriers to certification uptake. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing field research methods that included interviews and documentation. Thirteen informants, comprising 10 MSME owners, 1 local official, 1 religious affairs officer, and 1 policymaker, were selected through snowball sampling. The findings reveal that while most MSME owners view halal certification as both a religious obligation and a business strategy, many face difficulties in navigating the certification process due to a lack of knowledge and support from the government. These results suggest the need for targeted education, streamlined procedures, and institutional support to improve halal compliance and enhance MSME competitiveness.

Halal Science

Aisyah Izmi Hamida Salsabila, Didik Wahyudi

Ensuring the authenticity of halal-labeled food products is a growing global concern, particularly due to recurring reports of adulteration with non-permissible components such as pork. Molecular techniques, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR), offer a sensitive and specific means to detect pork DNA in processed meats, where traditional protein-based assays often fail due to denaturation. This study evaluates the sensitivity of five pork-specific mitochondrial DNA primers, ND5, Cytochrome B(1), Cytochrome B(2), PPA8, and Pork (F2/R1), for detecting Sus scrofa DNA in processed meat products using conventional PCR. Genomic DNA was extracted from corned pork and beef meatball samples and amplified using each primer under optimized conditions. Of the five primers tested, only PPA8, Pork (F2/R1), and Cytochrome B(2) produced clear, specific amplicons in pork samples, with no cross-reactivity observed in beef samples. PPA8 and Pork (F2/R1) demonstrated the strongest and most consistent amplification, suggesting superior sensitivity and reliability. ND5 and Cytochrome B(1) showed poor performance, indicating limited applicability in processed food matrices. These findings confirm the utility of selected primers in halal authentication and highlight the importance of empirical validation in primer selection. Future work should focus on expanding primer testing across diverse processed food types and incorporating quantitative PCR to establish detection thresholds.

Halal Science

Khrisna Agung Cendekiawan, Firdha Aprillia Wardhani, Linda Suci Anggraeni, Lutvi Anggraeni

Gelatin, commonly used in jelly soft candies, is often derived from porcine sources, which Islam prohibits. This study developed a rapid and reliable method for detecting porcine gelatin using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis to support halal verification. Twenty samples were analyzed: 10 with 100% bovine gelatin and 10 containing 10–100% porcine gelatin. Spectral data were processed using partial least squares (PLS) regression and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The PLS model showed high predictive accuracy (RMSEC = 2.87, R²cal = 0.9931; RMSEP = 0.0124, R²val = 0.9919), while LDA classified samples with over 90% accuracy. Results were consistent with the Xema Pork Detection Kit, confirming the method’s reliability. This approach offers a fast, accurate tool for halal compliance in food products.

Halal Science

Subandi Subandi, Fredlina Rossa Balindra, Aura Bella Gizta, Husnul Khotimah, Kusworini Handono

Cervical cancer, mainly driven by oncogenic HPV infections, remains a global health burden. Cisplatin is standard chemotherapy for advanced cases but is limited by toxicity. Nano liposomal curcumin, with improved bioavailability, may enhance cisplatin’s efficacy. This study investigated the combination’s effect on HeLa cells by analyzing Cyclin E1 and Bcl-2 expression. Nano liposomal curcumin was synthesized using thin-film hydration, yielding stable 32 nm nanoparticles. HeLa cells were divided into control and treatment groups, and varying doses of nano liposomal curcumin with cisplatin were received. Flow cytometry revealed significant reductions in Cyclin E1 (from 18.62 ± 1.45 to 5.79 ± 0.47) and Bcl-2 (from 32.56 ± 0.82 to 28.19 ± 0.30) at the highest dose (p < 0.05). Cell viability decreased to 9% with cisplatin alone and 1% with the combination. These results indicate that nano liposomal curcumin enhances cisplatin’s antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, supporting its potential as an adjuvant to lower cisplatin doses while maintaining efficacy. Further research involving additional molecular markers, in vivo models, and clinical trials is needed to optimize dosing, confirm safety, and evaluate therapeutic potential.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Alifah Safira Aulia

This study aims to analyze the impact of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Support Services (YESS) Program on the development of youth entrepreneurship among young farmers in Bone Regency, as well as its contribution to increasing income and economic self-reliance in rural areas. The YESS Program is a collaborative initiative between IFAD and the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Agriculture, designed to address poverty, malnutrition, and low food productivity in rural regions through training, certified internships, competitive grants, and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program (PWMP). This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with field research methods, including direct data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. The study is grounded in the theory of international cooperation, which explains how global collaboration can enhance local capacity. The findings indicate that the YESS Program has successfully promoted positive changes in entrepreneurial attitudes and skills among the younger generation in agriculture, created local business opportunities, and improved access to resources and markets. These findings affirm that international cooperation programs like YESS can be an effective strategy for supporting youth regeneration in farming and fostering sustainable rural development based on agribusiness.

Kolaborasi Masyarakat

Lala Komalasari, Tomi Tomi, Yuniarti Falya

Nutritional issues such as low fiber and energy intake at breakfast remain common in Indonesia. This study developed a functional cereal product using rice bran (Bekatul) sourced from Sampiran Village, Talun District, Cirebon Regency, produced through a mixing-extrusion method involving local residents. Using a descriptive experimental approach, the research included product formulation, nutritional analysis, organoleptic testing, and shelf-life estimation via Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing (ASLT). The final product contained, per 100 g, 6 g protein, 16 g fat, 70 g carbohydrates, 7 g sugar, 516 mg sodium, and 448 kcal, sufficient to meet daily breakfast energy needs. Organoleptic results showed a visually appealing purplish-brown color, a sweet and savory taste, a pleasant aroma without rancidity, and a crunchy yet not overly hard texture. The cereal’s estimated shelf life at room temperature (20–25 °C) was 86 days. Overall, rice bran cereal demonstrates potential as a nutritious, locally sourced functional food that supports improved community nutrition. 

Kolaborasi Masyarakat

Akeem Ayodele Olaiya, Tawakaltu Omolara Tijani, Dauda Garba, Sakynah Musa Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mohammed Sule

Scadoxus multiflorus, a fleshy herbaceous plant with a large bulb, has been traditionally used in ethnomedicine for treatment of malaria, ulcers, cardiotonic activity and stimulant in debility. This study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening and evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of its aerial parts. The plant material was extracted with methanol using maceration process, and the crude extract was partitioned into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides in the crude extract and fractions. Quantitative analysis revealed that phenolic compounds were the most abundant in the crude extract (198.32 mg/g), while alkaloids were the least (51.14 mg/g). The n-hexane fraction, however, had the highest tannin content (215 mg/g). Acute toxicity testing, following OECD 2008 guidelines, showed that the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating the extract's safety. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using both suppressive and curative models in Plasmodium berghei-infected albino mice. The extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly suppressed parasitemia by 58.8% in the early infection (suppressive test) and reduced parasitemia by 61.8% in the established infection (curative test). Chloroquine, the standard drug at 5 mg/kg, produced higher parasite suppression (84.52%) and curative effects (84.50%) compared to the extract. The results suggest that the methanol extract of S. multiflorus aerial parts possesses antiplasmodial activity, supporting its traditional use in malaria management.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Maryam Mahmud Dauda, Garba Dauda, Sakynah Musa Abdullahi, Hadiza sada, Mohammed Ibrahim Sule, Halimatu Sadiya Hassan, Aliyu Muhammad Musa

Snakebites and subsequent envenomations remain a significant health challenge, especially in rural regions of underdeveloped countries, where they contribute to high mortality rates. In Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, the scarcity of healthcare facilities and antivenoms exacerbates the issue. Rural communities commonly seek traditional plant-based remedies due to their affordability and cultural significance. This study investigates the ethyl acetate fraction of Indigofera capitata, a plant traditionally used to treat snakebites, for its potential to inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. Chromatographic separation of the ethyl acetate fraction led to the isolation of a greenish solid substance, coded MM2, identified as 3-methoxyl, 5, 4', 5' trihydroxyl, 6' pentyl-4-O-glycopyranoside through chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The inhibition of PLA2 was assessed using an in vitro acidimetric assay. Compound MM2 was tested at 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL. The highest inhibition of 47.37% was observed at 1 mg/mL. At 0.1 mg/mL, the inhibition decreased to 36.84%, indicating reduced efficacy. Interestingly, at 0.01 mg/mL, the inhibition returned to 47.37%, suggesting that the enzyme inhibition by MM2 is concentration-independent within the tested range. The promising PLA2 inhibition observed with compound MM2 supports its potential as an antivenom agent. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of I. capitata in addressing the global snakebite crisis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report documenting this compound's isolation, characterization, and antivenin screening.

Sciences of Phytochemistry