Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I’m delighted to share that together with my team, I, Dr. Khoirul Rista, have been awarded research grants from Kemdiktisaintek for the 2024/2025 period. In May 2025, our project on the use of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) formulated into a topical cream as an anti-acne agent—tested on P. acnes-induced rat models—successfully secured funding.

Just two months later, in July 2025, another exciting milestone followed. As the supervisor of the Student Creativity Program (PKM), I guided a group of students from the DIV Medical Laboratory Technology program at Politeknik Aisyiyah Pontianak. Together, we won a PKM grant from Belmawa Kemdiktisaintek. Our proposal focused on exploring Mitragyna speciosa as an antipsoriasis agent in an Imiquimod-induced rat model.

Both research projects are now in progress, with a strong commitment to publish the outcomes in nationally accredited journals. This achievement not only highlights the potential of natural products in medical science but also represents a step forward for our institution in fostering impactful research and innovation.

Alhamdululillah, I, Dr. Khoirul RA, together with the research team from Politeknik Aisyiyah Pontianak, am delighted to announce that we have been selected as recipients of the DIKTI research grant for the 2024/2025 period. Our approved project is titled:

“Utilization of Uncaria gambir Cream as Anti-Psoriasis”

This grant will support our team’s efforts to develop and validate a topical cream formulation based on Uncaria gambir (commonly known as gambir) with the aim of exploring its therapeutic potential for the management of psoriasis.

Background & Rationale

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Conventional treatments, while effective, often carry risks of side effects and long-term complications. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties are increasingly explored as adjunctive or alternative therapies.

Uncaria gambir has drawn scientific interest due to its high content of catechins, flavonoids, and other polyphenols, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in various studies. PMC+2Science Alert+2 For example, the ethyl acetate fraction from Uncaria gambir leaves has been reported to inhibit inflammatory markers and edema in animal models. EAS Publisher+2PMC+2

However, the exploration of Uncaria gambir in dermatological applications—particularly as a cream for psoriasis—remains underdeveloped. Our research intends to bridge this gap by formulating a stable cream and systematically testing its efficacy and safety in relevant in vitro, ex vivo, and possibly in vivo models.

Objectives & Research Plan

The major objectives of our research include:

1. Formulation — develop a stable cream base incorporating Uncaria gambir extract with optimal concentration, skin absorption properties, and shelf stability.
2. Phytochemical & Quality Characterization — quantify active constituents (e.g. catechins, phenolics) and evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiological stability.
3. Preclinical Evaluation — test the cream in appropriate laboratory models (e.g. keratinocyte or skin explant cultures, induced psoriasis models) for metrics such as inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, reduction of oxidative stress markers, and histological improvement.
4. Safety Assessment — evaluate dermal irritation, cytotoxicity, and other safety endpoints.
5. Data Analysis & Publication — analyze results, compare with benchmark treatments, and disseminate findings in national and international journals and conferences.

We anticipate that our study will provide new scientific evidence for a novel, plant-based topical therapy for psoriasis, possibly leading to further developments in formulation, clinical trials, and eventual commercialization.

Contract Number & Administrative Details

We will insert here the official contract number as confirmed on the DIKTI / DPPM website once released. (Please replace this placeholder with the correct number.)

Contract Number (DIKTI / DPPM / LLDIKTI): [To be inserted]

In line with standard DIKTI procedures, the contract will be signed in a tiered fashion (between DIKTI / DPPM and the relevant LLDIKTI, then onward to the implementing institution). Disbursement of funds is commonly scheduled in two phases (e.g. first 80 % and then 20 %). DPPM UII+2LLDIKTI Wilayah 4+2

Expression of Gratitude & Commitment

We sincerely thank DIKTI and the Directorate of Research and Community Service for the trust and support. We also extend our gratitude to Politeknik Aisyiyah Pontianak for institutional backing, as well as all team members, collaborators, and stakeholders.

We are fully committed to executing this project with scientific rigor, transparency, and integrity. May this research contribute positively to both academic knowledge and public health, particularly in offering an alternative or complementary therapy for psoriasis sufferers.