Plants, health, and food
I work with collaborators on medicinal plants and functional foods, including Gynura procumbens and traditional preparations such as Wedang Uwuh. Our publications examine biological activity through laboratory studies and animal models, while also looking at how preparation choices affect the material being studied.
The Gynura procumbens papers include studies of diabetes-related conditions in rats. I keep those findings tied to the models and methods used in the published work.
Connecting research with communities
In a 2026 community engagement program in Kulon Progo, colleagues and I worked with 40 PKK members to make cookies using Gynura procumbens and locally available ingredients. The published report describes the training, household-scale equipment, and initial outcomes.