Depok, January 8, 2026 — Red shoot leaves (Syzygium myrtifolium), long known as an ornamental plant for their striking foliage, have now demonstrated remarkable potential as a source of herbal medicine based on secondary metabolites, particularly as natural antimicrobial agents. These findings were presented by Vilya Syafriana during an open doctoral promotion examination for the Biology Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia, held on Thursday (January 8) at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok.
Through her dissertation entitled “Exploration and Metabolomic Study of Red Shoot (Syzygium myrtifolium) as a Source of Raw Materials for Antimicrobial Agents,” Vilya presented the results of her research conducted using an integrated approach, ranging from raw material characterization and extraction optimization to antimicrobial activity testing, analysis of the influence of growing locations, and metabolomic profiling using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)—a modern analytical method for detailed detection of plant chemical constituents. For this research, Vilya successfully earned her doctoral degree with the distinction of Cum Laude.
“This research reveals the great potential of Syzygium myrtifolium as a source of raw materials for herbal medicines based on secondary metabolites, particularly as natural antimicrobial agents,” Vilya stated before the examination panel.
The results showed that the developmental stage of the leaves—young or mature—significantly influences the physicochemical properties, metabolite composition, and antimicrobial activity of red shoot leaves. Ethanol extraction yielded the highest extract recovery, while ethyl acetate was more effective in extracting flavonoid compounds. The antimicrobial activity of red shoot leaves was proven to be more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Although growing location affected bioactivity, the stage of leaf development had a more dominant influence on the metabolite profile.
Young leaves are rich in flavonoids, making them promising for development as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for functional foods, health supplements, vitamins, and cosmetics. Meanwhile, mature leaves contain higher levels of triterpenoids, opening opportunities to explore additional biological activities, including their potential as anticancer compound candidates.
In addition to opening opportunities for the specific utilization of different plant parts, this research also strengthens the potential of the genus Syzygium—which comprises approximately 1,200–1,800 species and is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia—as an important source of medicinal plants.
“This research is expected to contribute to the development of science-based, competitive national herbal medicines, while supporting the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity,” Vilya added.
The open defense was chaired by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., with Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, S.Si., M.Sc. serving as promoter, and Dr. Windri Handayani, S.Si., M.Si. and Dr. Fitrianingsih, S.Si., M.Eng. as co-promoters. The examination panel included Dr. Dra. Ratna Yuniati, M.Si., Dr. Dra. Andi Salamah (Department of Biology, FMIPA UI), Prof. Dr. apt. Berna Elya, M.Si. (Faculty of Pharmacy, UI), and Prof. Dr. Nancy Dewi Yuliana, S.TP. (Department of Food Science and Technology, IPB).
