Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, October 23, 2026 at 12:27 PM UTC

BRIN identifies nine mangrove species with medicinal potential

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Sean Filo M, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) revealed that nine types of mangrove plants from Tadu Raya, Nagan Raya District, Aceh, have potential for medicinal use.

BRIN's researcher Alin Fithor explained the nine mangrove species consist of seven true mangroves and two plants associated with the mangrove ecosystem.

"The true mangrove plants are Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, Sonneratia alba, and Sonneratia caseolaris," he said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

Meanwhile, the plants associated with the mangrove ecosystem are Acanthus ilicifolius and Nypa fruticans, he continued.

According to him, local communities have traditionally used mangrove leaves and fruits for medicinal purposes and to support their health.

These traditional remedies are used to address various health complaints, including bruises, burns, chickenpox, fever, diarrhea, itching, skin wounds, stomachaches, mouth ulcers, and toothaches.

"One of the plants utilized by the community is Rhizophora apiculata, or mangrove. People use the leaves and fruit to help treat mouth ulcers, toothaches, and wounds. Meanwhile, Rhizophora mucronata is useful for diarrhea, stomach aches, and skin wounds," Alin detailed.

He then outlined several bioactive compounds contained in mangrove plants. Researchers have noted the presence of compounds such as alkaloids, phenolics, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins.

These compounds have potential antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral activities.

"However, we differentiate between traditional medicinal plants and plants that have been scientifically proven to have medical properties. Therefore, the potential of mangrove plants as medicinal ingredients still requires further research to test their pharmacological effectiveness," Alin stated.

He therefore highlighted the threats facing mangrove habitats, noting that logging and coastal development can destroy habitats and undermine the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems.

This research was published in the Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, Volume 27, Number 3, in March 2026 under the title "Species Composition and Medicinal Uses of Mangrove Plants in Southwest Aceh, Indonesia" by Alin Fithor, Wintah, Moh. Husein Sastranegara, and Kiswanto.

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