Anom Bowolaksono
Department of Biology
Universitas Indonesia

Astari Dwiranti
Department of Biology
Universitas Indonesia

Host: Klaus Holzmann

Program

Cancer and Ageing Modulation through Bioactive Metabolites Derived from Tropical Biodiversity

Cancer and aging are interconnected processes driven by genetic, chromosomal, and epigenetic alterations that disrupt cellular homeostasis, leading to tumour progression and age-related decline. Shared mechanisms such as chromosomal instability, telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation highlight the overlap between these biological pathways.

Bioactive metabolites derived from Indonesia’s rich tropical biodiversity — including flavonoids, alkaloids, and unique plant-derived compounds — hold promise to simultaneously suppress tumorigenesis, modulate oxidative stress, and delay cellular senescence. Our study demonstrates that extracts from selected medicinal plants can reduce cancer cell viability and influence membrane ultrastructure, underscoring their potential as dual-function modulators of cancer and aging and paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.