Exploring the Benefits of Vaistas Tea, A Couple of Thursina IIBS Students Win Bronze Medals in the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad
Couple students of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS), again, have achieved brilliantly. Azka Tsabitah and Ghania Fazila triumphed bronze medal in the Mathematics, Science and Technology category in the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI), held by the National Achievement Center of the Indonesian Talent Development Center under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (10/11) .
The achievement attained revealing the research entitled The Effect of Vaistas Tea on Blood Glucose, Histopathological Images of the Pancreas and Liver and Antioxidant Activity of Diabetic Rats (Rattus Norvegicus). Ghania revealed, the research carried is based on the increasing number of diabetes cases. The price of medicines tends to be expensive, limiting access for the survivors to be cured. She and Azka were encouraged to look for alternative herbal medicines - affordable and low side effect.
The Vaistas tea developed contains three ingredients - cinnamon, secang wood and insulin leaves - rich in flavonoids as antioxidants to prevent and repair damaged cells in the body.
"The focus of our research is the decrease of blood glucose after Vaistas tea intake, as well as, the increase of antioxidants marked by decreasing free radical activity," said Ghanis.
Azka, further, added that the research was carried out by conducting trials on mice. Several variables were observed, such as blood glucose measurements in normal mice and those injected with alloxan (a chemical used to induce diabetes in animals). On the 8th day after alloxan injection, Vaistas tea was gradually induced during 22 days.
"From the experiments, we found that there was blood sugar reduction after Vaistas tea induction. Also, there was an increase in antioxidants and improved condition of the liver and pancreas," explained Azka..
PThe research was undertaken by collaboration with the Satwa Sehat Laboratory of Malang, resulted in the conclusion that Vaistas tea was able to lower blood glucose levels and improve the condition of pancreas and liver. Furthermore, it has antioxidant activity, against free radicals in the body.
This research was presented by two hafizahs of 30 juz in a prestigious event, meeting students from all over regions in Indonesia. They stayed at Menara Peninsula Hotel, Jakarta, during the competition, for almost a week, 6-9 of November, 2023.
Co. Specialization Department, Ustazah Ratu Fatimah, M.Si, Ph.D really appreciated the success achieved by the couple students under her guidance, a pride for Thursina IIBS academics. The great completion comes from the support of the asatidz and the strong persistence of these two students undergoing the experiment.
"Winning a bronze medal in the national level has proved their excellence in creating innovations useful for community. Hopefully, the success will encourage Thursina IIBS students to develop innovation and research in various scientific fields," said Ustazah Rafa.
She puts much hopes to the attainment of these scientific works to inspiring other students to develop their potential. It reflected the holistic & balanced educational approach in Islamic boarding schools emphasising on both religious and academic knowledge, providing capacity and understanding in varied scientific fields.
"Hopefully, the research could become literature of positive benefits to society and the experience in research and competitions could hone the team to be more critical and innovative. May the experience could be a provision in the university level," said Ustazah Rafa. (hel/lil)