Published: 23 February 2026 - 07:00 WIB - Views: 0 views
[unsoed.ac.id, Mon, Feb 23, 2026] Students from the Biology Undergraduate Program at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) have once again achieved a proud milestone. A student team won the Silver Medal at the 7th National Essay Competition (LETIN 7), organized by Universitas Janabadra, Yogyakarta.
The team, which includes Asika Maulida Pasha, Sri Nastiti, and Nisya Nur Afifah, received an award in the Health subtheme category. The competition took place on Saturday–Sunday, February 14–15, 2026, with 30 participants from various universities across Indonesia competing in the health category.
During the competition, Hernayanti supervised the Unsoed team. Their essay was titled “Flourish: A Herbal Supplement Based on Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera Extracts as an Immunomodulator in Adjuvant Therapy for Lupus Arthritis Patients.”
Sri Nastiti explained that the prevalence of autoimmune diseases like lupus arthritis ranges from 32.9% to 75.5%. She noted that conventional treatments—including corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), synthetic antimalarials, and immunosuppressants—are effective in reducing inflammatory symptoms but may cause serious side effects with long-term use.
“Conventional therapies are effective in suppressing inflammatory symptoms, but long-term use often leads to side effects such as osteoporosis, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and an increased risk of infection,” said Sri Nastiti.
This condition emphasizes the need for safer, more effective, and sustainable alternative therapies. Through their herbal supplement called “FLOURISH,” the team proposed a holistic approach based on the food-as-medicine concept by combining extracts of Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera.
Nigella sativa extract is known for its immunomodulatory effects, while Moringa oleifera can potentially reduce inflammatory markers such as CRP and MDA. The combination is believed to help suppress inflammation, boost antioxidant capacity, and strengthen the immune system.
Using herbal ingredients as adjuvant therapy offers a safer and more sustainable long-term treatment option. This achievement also highlights the contribution of Unsoed students to scientific innovation in the health sector based on biological resources.
This achievement not only brings pride to the institution but also highlights the tangible contributions of students in advancing research-driven health innovations. It aligns with Unsoed’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the creation of innovative and sustainable health solutions, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening research-based higher education, scientific competitions, and academic excellence.
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