The Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) of IPB University welcomed the second batch of students from the Faculty of Medicine, Class of 61, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. This visit was part of the coursework under the Principles of Herbal Medicine block and was attended by 30 students accompanied by three supervising lecturers.
The training was guided by TropBRC laboratory staff, Laela Wulansari, S.Si., M.Si., and apt. Nunuk Kurniati Nengsih, S.Farm. The main agenda of this activity was a hands-on practice session on the preparation of fresh and traditional jamu (Indonesian herbal medicine). Through this activity, students had the opportunity to directly learn the basic principles of herbal formulation and processing, which are integral to Indonesia’s traditional medicine heritage.
Jamu refers to traditional medicine originating from Indonesia, now commonly known as herbal medicine. It is made from natural ingredients such as plant parts (rhizomes, leaves, bark, and fruits) and sometimes includes animal-derived substances such as goat or snake bile and crocodile penis extract. In some traditional jamu recipes, free-range chicken egg yolks are also used as an additional ingredient. Based on its effects, jamu can be classified into two types: preventive jamu, which helps maintain fitness, improve metabolism, and slow down aging; and curative jamu, which aids in treating illnesses.
Through this activity, students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of jamu preparation processes and the potential development of Indonesia’s natural resources in the health sector. TropBRC welcomes this initiative as part of its support for practice-based learning and efforts to strengthen medical students’ understanding of holistic health concepts based on tropical biopharmaca. The synergy between academia and research centers is expected to enrich students’ insights into the use of medicinal plants to support promotive and preventive efforts in medicine.
