UNAIR NEWS – In order to accelerate the downstream stage of traditional medicinal plants, Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducts training for housewives, small and medium-sized industries in Lamongan Regency in processing medicinal plants as a product with selling value. It aims to increase the economy of the community and implement the results of university research through community service programs.
Therefore, FF UNAIR held a meeting of small businesses, medium-sized traditional medicine enterprises in Lamongan Regency located in Candisari and Canditunggal village, Lamongan, and then met with Health Agencies from Lamongan, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, East Java, Lamongan Bappeda and BPOM Surabaya. The event was held on Saturday, July 13, at 1st Floor Hall, Faculty of Pharmacy Campus C UNAIR.
In her remarks Dr. Idha Kusumawati, S.Si., Apt., M.Si as the head of the committee hoped that this forum could facilitate the permit from BPOM and produce same perception in registering katuk leaf and lemongrass leaf products as traditional medicine or food.
Many katuk leaves grow and are produced by the people of Canditunggal as traditional medicinal ingredients which are then processed into tea products. While lemongrass leaves are found in Candisari village which is processed into oil and can be used as a mouthwash.
“After this meeting, we will go back to the village to assist the production, from processing, BPOM registration, to packaging, ” she said.
In addition, Sofia Nur Hayati, Sp., M.Si as the Secretary of Lamongan Bappeda revealed that there was an initiative and mentoring program from UNAIR which received a good response from the communities regarding the emergence of potential medicinal plant agribusiness done so far. The collaboration is expected to promote competency among villages to be even better.
“At least the communities will understand that each village has its own unique and cultivated medicines,” she said.
Sofi also said that the presence of medicinal plants in their yard would facilitate the community needs. Medicinal plants such as lemongrass leaves can be used to prevent the outbreak of dengue fever and katuk leaves can be used to deal with stunting problems that often occur in the communities.
“If this product is already known and marketed, in the future we will provide special area for medicinal plants in the communities,” she added.
Meanwhile, Nur Hidayah S.Si., Apt as BPOM Surabaya Certification Staff hoped for cooperation to oversee the post market supervision. Products that will be registered are expected to have standard hygiene. It aims to protect the communities from the food and drink distributed. In reality, the hygiene needs to be improved.
“If the product is not hygiene, BPOM will tighten the facilities and infrastructure,” she said. (*)
Author: Khefti Al Mawalia
